Mamata Banerjee's controversy deepened on Tuesday as the BJP raised strong objections to remarks made by the West Bengal Chief Minister during the campaign for the state Assembly Elections, alleging that her comments are creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among voters. A BJP delegation met the Election Commission (EC) of India on Monday in New Delhi to formally register the complaint, and on Tuesday, party leaders carried their protest to the office of the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Kolkata.
After meeting with the EC, Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP’s candidate from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, accused Mamata of issuing what he termed “direct death threats” against BJP workers and supporters. Adhikari said that despite Mamata serving in a caretaker capacity as Chief Minister, the state Police — which remain under her administrative control — had taken no action on what the party considers clear violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
“Whenever the Trinamool Congress (TMC) brought complaints against BJP leaders — often by distorting their remarks — the Election Commission would immediately act, and restrictions would be imposed,” Adhikari said.
“Yet in Mamata Banerjee’s case, absolutely nothing is being done.”
BJP alleges that Mamata’s rhetoric is deliberately aimed at inciting women against central forces and fostering unrest in the state. Party leaders also claim that some remarks hint at the possibility of post‑poll violence, sowing distrust in the electoral process.
In a further escalation, Adhikari named senior police officials — Jawed Shamim of the STF and Vineet Goyal of the IB — accusing them of monitoring his movements, along with those of party state President Shamik Bhattacharya and several Mandal presidents. He urged the Election Commission to take strict action against these officials for allegedly misusing their authority.
The row stems from an election rally in Maynaguri, North Bengal, where Mamata was heard urging supporters to put up posters declaring “I do not support the BJP,” a comment BJP says amounts to direct incitement and intimidation. The party has condemned her remarks as provocative and undermining voter confidence.
Senior BJP leaders, including former state president Sukanta Majumdar, have also weighed in, claiming that Mamata, “terrified of losing the election, has now become reckless” and is engaging in conduct that could intimidate and influence voters.
BJP delegation’s complaint comes amid rising political tensions in the run‑up to the elections, which are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4. The party has also asked the Election Commission to consider barring Mamata from campaigning and to initiate criminal probes into alleged violations — a request that the Commission has said it is examining to ensure free and fair polls.
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