Mamata Banerjee Accuses Central Government of Voter Rights Violation Ahead of Elections
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of undermining voter rights by modifying the voter list before the upcoming assembly elections. Speaking at a large gathering after Eid prayers, she expressed her commitment to fight against these alleged manipulations, emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy. Banerjee's remarks come amid rising political tensions regarding the legitimacy of the voter lists, particularly concerning minority voters. She vowed to resist any attempts to disenfranchise citizens and highlighted the state's tradition of communal harmony, asserting that Bengal will not allow divisive forces to succeed. This gathering also served as a significant political platform, especially for engaging with the Muslim electorate in the region.
Mar 21, 2026, 12:48 IST
Mamata Banerjee's Strong Allegations Against BJP
On Saturday, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, accused the BJP-led central government of infringing on citizens' voting rights by altering the voter list ahead of the assembly elections. She stated, “Names of individuals have been removed from the voter list. I have traveled from Kolkata to Delhi, and from the Calcutta High Court to the Supreme Court. I trust that the rights of the people will be safeguarded. I stand with everyone in Bengal, regardless of caste, community, or religion. I will continue this fight... We will not allow Modi to take away our rights... You are attempting to control our government by force, wanting to impose President's Rule. Yet, we will not be intimidated. Those who fear perish; those who fight succeed in life... The BJP is a party of thieves and goons, a party of traitors... There are traitors who take money from the BJP to divide votes.
Allegations of Electoral Manipulation
Speaking to thousands after the Eid prayers at Red Road in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader claimed that the special intensive revision of voter lists, which the ruling party asserts has led to the removal of numerous names, is part of a broader effort to manipulate the electoral process in the state.
Commitment to Protect Democracy
Banerjee emphasized during the gathering that they will fight until the end to protect democracy. Her remarks came amid escalating political tensions regarding the scrutiny of the voter lists, which the TMC has alleged is an attempt to remove legitimate voters, particularly from minority-dominated areas, ahead of the assembly elections. She warned that her party would oppose any attempts to disenfranchise voters under the guise of revising or verifying voter lists. She declared, "Those targeting Bengal and trying to divide the people should go to hell," prompting loud applause from the audience.
Unity in Diversity
Mamata asserted that forces attempting to polarize society in Bengal will not succeed. Citing the state's long tradition of communal harmony, she remarked that Bengal believes in unity. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians all coexist here. We will not allow anyone to disrupt this social fabric. The annual Eid gathering at Red Road, one of the largest in Eastern India, often serves as a political platform during election years, providing parties an opportunity to connect with the substantial Muslim electorate, which constitutes nearly 30 percent of the population.