West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “misusing” government machinery for political campaigning and violating the Model Code of Conduct.
Addressing a rally in Hooghly district’s Tarakeswar, Banerjee alleged that the Prime Minister used his national address on the women’s reservation bill for “illegal campaigning” in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
“They misused the government machinery yesterday for political campaigns. We condemn this and will file a complaint to the Election Commission,” she said.
Referring to Modi’s address following the defeat of a bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures, Banerjee said the Prime Minister had effectively used a government platform for party messaging.
In his address, Modi had warned the Opposition that women would “punish” them for what he termed the “sin of foeticide”, a remark that triggered political controversy.
Banerjee said the women’s reservation legislation was already passed in September 2023 and questioned why it had not been implemented yet. “How many times does the same bill need to be passed?” she asked.
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She also alleged that the government was linking the delimitation process with the women’s quota legislation, calling it a tactic to delay implementation. “They had the audacity to bring the bill in the Lok Sabha despite not having the numbers,” she said, adding that the BJP’s “downfall” had begun.
Escalating her attack, Banerjee said Modi was attempting to project himself as a candidate in all 294 constituencies in Bengal. “He is trying to emulate what I say. You are an outsider; you are not a voter in Bengal,” she said, asking him to resign before making electoral claims in the state.
At another rally in Kalna, Purba Bardhaman, Banerjee warned that if the BJP came to power, it would dismantle welfare schemes introduced by her government, including ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’, ‘Kanyashree’, ‘Joy Johar’ and ‘Oikyoshree’.
She also accused the BJP-led Centre of failing on employment promises, alleging that unemployment had risen significantly despite assurances of job creation.
Banerjee further accused the BJP of using central agencies such as the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department for “vindictive politics” against Trinamool Congress leaders. She claimed raids on officials and associates were attempts to intimidate her party.
“I will not bow down even if a gun is pointed at me,” she said.
The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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