Abhishek Banerjee brings up "10 ghosts of SIR" during rally, calls EC "BJP's agent"

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the Centre at a massive “Ran Sankalp Sabha” in Cooch Behar, accusing them of blocking Bengal’s funds, harassing voters through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and insulting the state’s identity and culture. He said the coming 120 days would be a decisive fight to “bring Bengal’s money back to Bengal.”

Addressing a packed rally after offering prayers at the Madan Mohan Temple, Banerjee alleged that the SIR process had turned into a “vote blockade,” forcing people to stand in queues and pushing many into distress. He claimed that BLOs and citizens had suffered due to what he called an unplanned exercise, and urged Trinamool workers to ensure that no eligible voter’s name was deleted from the electoral rolls.

Banerjee accused the BJP of practising divisive politics in the name of religion and language, saying those indulging in religious polarisation were “politically bankrupt.” He rejected attempts to brand Bengali-speaking residents as outsiders and said slogans like “Joy Bangla” reflected Bengal’s heritage and pride. “Religion is for the home, our duty is to deliver jobs, homes and basic amenities,” he said.

Taking aim at BJP leaders, Banerjee described them as “migratory,” alleging they appeared in Bengal only during elections while funds worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore meant for the state remained blocked. He said each Assembly segment in Cooch Behar had suffered financially and called on people to teach the BJP a lesson at the ballot box.

The Trinamool leader also highlighted welfare schemes and development promises, asserting that his party would ensure housing for lakhs of people and complete major road projects in Cooch Behar within months. He said the state government had stepped in where the Centre had failed to fulfil its commitments.

Concluding his speech, Banerjee said the people of Bengal were ready to respond to what he termed repeated insults and exploitation. He expressed confidence that Trinamool would strengthen its position in Cooch Behar and across the state, declaring that the upcoming elections would mark the political “immersion” of the BJP in Bengal, reports said.