BJP has ‘tacit understanding’ with Congress and Stalin: Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata, 6 April : Amid heightened political activity ahead of Assembly elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her attack on the BJP, alleging a broader political alignment involving opposition parties and raising concerns over administrative decisions impacting the state. Her remarks reflect escalating tensions around electoral processes, governance, and opposition unity at the national level. Addressing a rally in Nadia district, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the BJP had entered into a “tacit understanding” with the Congress and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin. She alleged that a large number of IAS and IPS officers from West Bengal had been deputed to Tamil Nadu as poll observers, affecting administrative functioning in her state. She said, “You (BJP) must be having some tacit understanding with the Congress and Stalin.” She further claimed, “They (BJP) are placing their own officers in prominent positions in West Bengal to ensure their free movement.” Banerjee also questioned the role of the Election Commission, stating that while multiple states are going to polls, a disproportionately high number of officers—around 500—were transferred from West Bengal compared to other states. The TMC chief asserted that after the Assembly elections, she would work towards building a united opposition front against the BJP at the national level. “I will tour the country to stitch together opposition unity,” she said. Targeting the central leadership, she added, “You (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) should resign. The Home Minister and the whole government should resign.” She warned that public sentiment could force such action if accountability is not taken. Banerjee also raised concerns over voter lists, citizenship issues, and alleged administrative bias. She questioned the process of granting citizenship and deletion of names from electoral rolls, while reiterating her opposition to NRC and detention centres in the state. On law and order, she clarified that the TMC does not support attacks on judicial officers, referring to an incident in Malda, but alleged that officials taking action were being transferred out. She also accused the BJP of benefiting from vote division in Bihar and claimed that her efforts led to the restoration of around 24 lakh names in the electoral rolls. Urging voters to respond through the ballot, she emphasized the importance of democratic participation. The developments underline the sharpening political narrative ahead of elections, with allegations over institutional roles, governance, and alliances taking centre stage. As campaigning intensifies, issues of administrative control, electoral fairness, and opposition unity are likely to dominate the discourse.