Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of State Terrorism Amid Political Tensions
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of state terrorism, vowing to confront their actions through legal means. Her comments follow a controversial demolition campaign near Howrah railway station, which has sparked significant political unrest. Banerjee criticized the central government and warned of future political consequences for the BJP. She highlighted her administration's past rehabilitation efforts, contrasting them with the current situation of forced evictions. The BJP defends the demolition as necessary for public infrastructure improvement. This ongoing conflict reflects the deepening political divide in the state.
| May 25, 2026, 16:57 IST
Mamata Banerjee's Strong Allegations Against BJP
On Sunday, former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, accused the BJP of engaging in what she termed 'state terrorism.' She emphasized her commitment to countering the party's actions through constitutional and legal means. Addressing party workers and supporters, the Trinamool Congress leader criticized the recent vandalism near Howrah railway station, invoking the Constitution and the judiciary. Banerjee stated, 'I want to remind the judiciary that they are the true guardians of the law... I will continue my legal battle against state terrorism. We will see whose power prevails—the Constitution's or that of the gun.'
Her remarks came in the wake of escalating political confrontations following the demolition of alleged illegal structures near Howrah railway station earlier this month. This operation was conducted with a significant police presence and the use of bulldozers and other machinery. Banerjee also launched an attack on the central government, warning the BJP of political repercussions in the future. 'When you fall from power in Delhi, you will have to face the consequences of your actions—we are waiting for that day,' she asserted. Comparing her government's previous rehabilitation policies, she cited the Kalyani Express Bridge project, claiming that 43 homes were affected during its construction, and her administration built an equal number of homes for their rehabilitation. She lamented that now there are attempts to loot, vandalize, and erase all traces of these efforts.
On May 16, the demolition campaign targeted structures identified by municipal authorities as unauthorized encroachments in the Howrah station area. Following this action, the Trinamool Congress initiated protests, accusing the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal of promoting a 'bulldozer culture' and forcibly evicting vendors and residents. Previously, TMC leaders had protested outside the West Bengal Assembly and announced widespread demonstrations against the eviction campaign in Kolkata and surrounding areas. The BJP government contends that the demolition drive aims to remove illegal encroachments around the busy railway station area and improve public infrastructure.