Mamata Banerjee Responds to Supreme Court Comments on Malda Incident
Mamata Banerjee's Allegations Against BJP
On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the Supreme Court's remarks regarding the Malda incident, asserting that it forms part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) strategy to incite unrest in the state and push for extreme measures like canceling elections and imposing President's Rule. In Malda district, seven judicial officers working at the SIR staged a prolonged sit-in protest against the removal of names from the voter list. According to officials, the protesters initially sought a meeting with the judicial officers. After being denied entry, they commenced their demonstration around 4 PM on Wednesday, effectively surrounding the premises. During the protest, three female judicial officers were reportedly trapped inside the office.
Mamata Banerjee Claims Loss of Power
While addressing a public gathering in Sagardighi, Murshidabad district, the Chief Minister expressed her frustration over not being informed about the incident by the administration. She reiterated that the law and order situation is currently under the control of the Election Commission due to the ongoing electoral process. Banerjee accused the Election Commission of failing to maintain law and order, despite claiming to have deployed its officials in civil and police administration following the announcement of assembly elections in the state. "All my powers have been taken away; they have stripped me of all authority, law and order, and everything else. I have never seen such an Election Commission," she stated.
Banerjee's Statement on BJP's Strategy
In her appeal for peace, Banerjee urged the public to refrain from provocation and to conduct peaceful protests. She claimed that the Malda incident is part of the BJP's strategy to have the assembly elections canceled and to impose President's Rule in Bengal. Addressing the rally, she remarked, "There are communal elements within the BJP, and some of these communal individuals have infiltrated your ranks as well." Supporting the Supreme Court's comments, she acknowledged their correctness and pointed out that central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have already taken action against those involved in the protests. Describing the Malda incident as damaging to the state's reputation, Banerjee stated, "This incident has tarnished Bengal's image. Your grievances may be valid, but do not take the law into your own hands." She also expressed disappointment with how officials managed the situation and questioned how much more "humiliation" she would have to endure.