"BJP will divide Bengal, declared emergency is going on", says Mamata; warns against 'cross-state money transfers'

Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party, expressing concern that the BJP wants to annex several parts of North Bengal and alleging that the situation in the state now resembles a state of war under the government led by Narendra Modi. Banerjee claimed that what is happening in the state amounts to “declared President’s rule” rather than an undeclared one, warned people not to blame her if Bengal’s ration supply is stopped, and alleged that the BJP is funneling money into the state through the border to influence voters. She also cautioned people not to fall for monetary inducements and claimed there is a conspiracy underway to incite riots in Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee on Friday addressed party leaders including Abhishek Banerjee, Amit Mitra, Subrata Bakshi and Arup Biswas as the All India Trinamool Congress released its election manifesto. Banerjee said she had fulfilled every promise made to the people and declared that “work is my religion,” adding that the people of Bengal have bestowed immense blessings on the Trinamool Congress. She accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to seize control of Bengal and alleged that since the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre, a conspiracy has been underway against the state. Banerjee also expressed apprehension that the BJP wants to carve out a portion of Bengal by claiming several parts of North Bengal and warned about the Centre’s plan to carry out delimitation in the state.

Targeting the government led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, Banerjee alleged that the situation in Bengal resembles a state of war and claimed that the Centre has disregarded the state’s rules and regulations. She said public sector institutions have been privatized and accused the Modi government of focusing on self-promotion while using riots as a means to capture power. Banerjee also raised concerns over large-scale transfers of officials during elections, questioned whether officials from other states understand Bengal, and warned that if the supply of rations to the state is halted or any untoward incident occurs, the BJP government will be responsible. Claiming that it appears as though President’s Rule has already been imposed, she urged people to protect Bengal, cautioned voters not to fall prey to money or inducements allegedly being funneled into the state, and said Trinamool workers would guard every polling booth while expressing confidence that the party would triumph again. She also extended greetings for Navratri and Eid.