Mamata links UCC to ‘one BJP, one religion’, says it means ‘destruction of all religions’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday launched a sharp political attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party during an election rally in Keshiary, West Midnapore, alleging that free and fair elections would not be possible in the presence of the BJP. She claimed that the party had “lost its mind” and accused it of targeting Bengal politically, asserting that her party’s focus remains on countering such efforts at the national level. She also termed the SIR process a “big scam” and criticised what she described as aggressive governance tactics.

Banerjee strongly opposed the Uniform Civil Code, questioning its intent and timing during the election period. She alleged that it reflects a “one party, one policy, one religion” approach and warned that such measures would harm the country’s pluralistic fabric. She stated that any such laws introduced by the BJP would be scrapped if her party came to power at the Centre, adding that arbitrary legislation passed during this period would not be allowed to continue.

Raising serious allegations, Banerjee claimed that attempts were made to cancel her nomination through false affidavits filed in her name. She described the move as a conspiracy involving “traitors” and said her political fight is not only against the BJP but also against what she termed a “vanish machine.” She also linked ongoing electoral developments to broader national strategies, alleging that measures such as delimitation are being pushed to fragment Bengal politically.

Addressing concerns related to governance and communities, Banerjee accused the BJP of neglecting tribal welfare and contrasted it with her government’s initiatives. She said her administration has consistently observed International Tribal Day, restored forest rights, and enacted laws to prevent forcible land acquisition from tribal communities and common people. She also alleged that in other states, voters whose names were removed from electoral rolls are being threatened with withdrawal of essential services, a situation she vowed would not be allowed in Bengal.

Highlighting development, Banerjee said Keshiary has undergone a complete transformation compared to its past, when the region faced violence, lack of infrastructure, and deprivation. She asserted that the improvement was due to state government efforts and not central support. The rally marked her first campaign event of the day, with further public meetings scheduled in Jhargram and Barjora as part of her ongoing election outreach.