The Election Commission (EC) of India has sought a detailed report from the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) following allegations that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made remarks perceived as threatening toward central forces during a recent election rally.
The move comes after a video of Mamata’s speech in North Bengal went viral on social media, raising concerns about the potential for unrest ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election. The authenticity of the video, however, has not been independently verified by the NAI.
According to sources, the EC took note of the matter after apprehensions were raised that the Chief Minister’s comments could incite tension at polling booths. In a communication, the Commission referred to a rally held on March 25 at Naxalbari, where Mamata allegedly urged women to guard polling stations and be prepared to respond to any “emergency situation,” even suggesting the use of household utensils if necessary.
The Commission has flagged concerns over the implications of such remarks, particularly in rural areas, where it fears they could lead to confrontations involving party supporters and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. It also raised the possibility of legal complications if central forces are required to intervene in such situations.
Mamata, who has begun her campaign as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from Bhabanipur, has been consistently critical of both the EC and the BJP. She has accused the Commission of acting under the influence of the Centre, particularly over issues such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, deployment of Central forces, and administrative changes in the state.
In her speech, Mamata reportedly called upon voters to prevent “outsiders” from casting bogus votes and suggested that people should be ready to respond if intimidated. These remarks have since become a major flashpoint in the state’s political landscape.
Reacting sharply, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Chief Minister’s statements, questioning whether it was appropriate for an elected leader to encourage citizens to confront security personnel. He also raised concerns about law and order in West Bengal and compared the situation with states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where he claimed such issues have not arisen.
Shah arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to intensify the BJP’s campaign and is expected to present a “charge sheet” against the ruling TMC government. In response, TMC leaders have indicated they will release a counter “charge sheet,” highlighting alleged shortcomings of the Union government.
In a parallel development, the TMC has initiated efforts to seek the removal of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party has submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament and gathered signatures from MPs in support of the motion. However, the removal of an Election Commissioner requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament, making the move politically challenging.
As campaigning gathers momentum, the controversy has added to the intensifying political battle in West Bengal, with both sides trading sharp accusations in the run-up to the polls.
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