“Why didn’t you work before the elections?”: Mamata slams BJP’s ‘Matrishakti Bharosa’ card timing

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp and wide-ranging attack on the BJP while addressing a public rally at Ghoksadanga in the Mathabhanga Assembly constituency of Cooch Behar. Speaking in support of TMC candidate Sablul Barman, she raised multiple issues including booth management, the Women’s Reservation Bill, delimitation, law and order, and the BJP’s “Matrishakti Bhorosha” card, intensifying the political rhetoric ahead of the elections.

Alleging irregularities in booth management, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the BJP does not have enough workers to man polling booths. She said the party is relying on agencies to fill forms and deploy people at booths, adding that large amounts of money are being used in the process. She also criticized the BJP’s “Matrishakti Bhorosha” card initiative, questioning why such efforts were not made earlier and warning people against sharing personal details such as bank accounts, addresses, and phone numbers, claiming it could lead to misuse.

The Chief Minister also questioned the Centre’s move to link the Women’s Reservation Bill with delimitation, alleging it was part of a larger plan to divide states, remove voters’ names, and implement NRC. Without naming Union Home Minister Amit Shah, she accused leaders of attempting to drive people out and said those making such statements would themselves be sent to detention camps. She further alleged that even admissions have been made about voter name deletions under the SIR process.

Raising concerns about law and order, Mamata Banerjee said that although it is currently not under her control, it would return to her hands in the future. She specifically referred to repeated incidents of violence in Cooch Behar during elections and questioned why such situations arise every time polls approach. Her remarks come amid heightened political tensions and ongoing campaigning across the state.