‘Our Ganga is clean, try diving into Delhi’s polluted Yamuna’: Mamata's jibe at Modi's boat ride

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sweeping attack on the BJP during a rally at Howrah Maidan, addressing a wide range of issues from alleged voter suppression under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to the use of central agencies, identity politics, and national security. Campaigning in support of Trinamool Congress candidate Arup Roy, she said the high voter turnout of around 93% in rural Bengal reflects public anger and asserted, “This vote is against you, Modi.” She alleged that around 300 people died due to what she described as SIR-related oppression and claimed that even on polling day, four people died while standing in queues.

Banerjee accused the BJP of deleting 1.2 crore names from voter lists and said only the Trinamool Congress fought for restoration, claiming she approached the Supreme Court and helped reinstate 32 lakh names, with efforts ongoing to restore the rest. She urged voters to retain their voter slips after casting ballots, saying she does not trust the system and warning that people may face trouble later. Introducing party candidates as “twin flowers,” she used a metaphor to predict BJP’s defeat and claimed the opposition would fail to win seats in several districts including Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, North and South Dinajpur, Malda, and Murshidabad.

Targeting the BJP leadership, Banerjee criticised alleged remarks attributed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning the language used and saying such statements do not suit someone holding a high constitutional position. She accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate voters through administrative machinery and claimed that after the election results on the 4th, “you will not be seen anywhere.” She further alleged that the BJP has neglected pressing issues such as violence in Manipur and law and order concerns elsewhere while focusing on political optics, including a recent Ganga boat ride, which she contrasted with pollution in the Yamuna.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns over alleged misuse of central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and Income Tax Department, accusing them of harassing small businessmen, traders, and hawkers instead of tackling black money as promised. She said that if there is a change of government at the Centre, a policy would be framed regarding such raids, adding that businessmen face significant harassment. Banerjee also alleged discrimination against Bengali-speaking people in other states, claiming they face harassment and denial of services, and criticised what she described as labelling of communities based on identity.

On governance and development, Banerjee defended Kolkata against remarks that it has turned into a slum, asserting that it remains a leading city and a destination for industry and tourism, with Durga Puja recognised by UNESCO. She highlighted her government’s work during crises such as cyclones, floods, and the COVID pandemic, and announced a new dredging programme in Howrah to address drainage issues. She also responded to criticism of Jadavpur University, calling students the pride of the state and encouraging youth to protest against what she termed unfair remarks.

Banerjee further criticised the BJP over national security, questioning the response to the Pahalgam attack and asking why action was not taken against Pakistan, while alleging that heavy force is instead used domestically. She reiterated that local people are the party’s greatest asset and emphasised grassroots engagement. On the Women’s Reservation Bill, she claimed her party defeated the BJP’s alleged plan to expand parliamentary seats and termed it the beginning of the BJP’s political decline. She concluded by urging people to vote to protect their rights, asserting that the coming days will reflect the impact of what she described as oppression under SIR.