“Abhishek to take charge of Medinipur”: Mamata defends him, says “you cannot fight him”

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp political attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party during her rally in Haldia, asserting that she is “the candidate in all 294 seats” and expressing confidence of returning to power. She urged voters not to support the BJP and appealed for neutrality among others, claiming that administrative machinery was being used in a one-sided manner. She said she had toured the entire state and understood public sentiment, insisting that her party would form the government again.

Escalating her criticism, Mamata alleged attempts to influence polling through power cuts, faulty machines, and intimidation, particularly recalling past incidents in Nandigram. She accused central agencies of selective action and claimed that notices were being issued to target Trinamool workers while ignoring alleged crimes by BJP members. She also alleged that police were acting in a partisan manner, stating that officers had been replaced to favour one side. Warning of accountability, she said her party was keeping records and that the law would take its course against any wrongdoing.

The Trinamool leader delivered an aggressive political message, saying her party “fights inch by inch” and would not give up land without resistance. She claimed strict vigilance would be maintained during polling, stating that even without formal surveillance, her party would monitor everything. She urged supporters to remain alert, even suggesting symbolic acts like carrying a broom to continue moving if obstructed. She also called on the administration to remain neutral and not act under inducement, warning that she would not overlook irregularities this time.

Highlighting governance, Mamata outlined major development initiatives in Haldia and surrounding regions. She said over ₹50,000 crore had been invested, generating employment for more than 1.2 lakh people, along with projects like a 334-acre industrial park, Indian Oil’s ₹2,790 crore investment, and a ₹4,125 crore pipeline. She also mentioned the Dankuni–Haldia corridor expected to create two lakh jobs, a toy factory, hospital upgrades, and plans for a major hospital in Digha. She added that projects like Tajpur port, a private shipyard in Nandigram, eco-tourism in Nayachar, and the development of Digha and Jagannath Dham reflected balanced growth between industry and tourism.

In her speech, Mamata invoked past struggles, recalling the Nandigram violence and claiming she had risked her life when others stayed away. She accused political opponents of corruption, nepotism, and misusing resources, while asserting that her own family had not benefited politically. Referring to repeated attacks on Abhishek Banerjee, she said her party’s leadership would continue to grow, adding that Abhishek would take responsibility for Medinipur in the future. She also alleged that migrant workers were being pressured to support the BJP and promised they would return and vote freely. Concluding, she said Haldia would become the number one industrial hub and pledged that after victory, her first visit would be to Lalgarh.