BJP trying to add illegal voters from outside in West Bengal electoral rolls: Mamata Banerjee

Addressing a public rally in Chandrakona in Paschim Medinipur district, Banerjee alleged that individuals from states such as Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh were being brought in to alter the voter base in favour of the BJP, reported PTI.

She claimed that the alleged move was part of a larger strategy to influence the election outcome. “The BJP is trying to include illegal voters from outside states in Bengal’s electoral rolls,” she said, warning party workers and supporters to remain vigilant, reported PTI.

Abhishek Banerjee Flags Sudden Surge in Applications

Banerjee further stated that Abhishek Banerjee had to rush to the office of the Election Commission of India in Kolkata after receiving information about a sudden spike in voter registration applications, reported PTI.

According to her, nearly 30,000 forms were allegedly submitted in a single day seeking inclusion of new voters, raising concerns within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) about the authenticity of these applications.

Accusations Against BJP and Election Commission

The Trinamool Congress chief also accused the BJP of colluding with the Election Commission to manipulate electoral rolls. She alleged that names of women and minority voters were being removed under the pretext of verification exercises, reported PTI.

“The BJP and the Election Commission are undermining democratic rights,” Banerjee claimed, adding that her party would oppose any such attempts strongly, reported PTI.

Appeals to Voters and Political Messaging

In her address, Banerjee urged voters to focus on her leadership rather than individual candidates contesting from different constituencies. She appealed to the electorate to consider her as the representative across all 294 Assembly seats in the state, reported PTI.

She also raised concerns about cultural and social issues, alleging that the BJP could impose restrictions on food habits if it comes to power in the state. Additionally, she reiterated her opposition to the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal.

High-Stakes Electoral Battle Ahead

West Bengal is set to witness a closely watched electoral contest, with polling scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

In the previous Assembly elections held in 2021, the Trinamool Congress secured a decisive victory, winning 213 seats in the 294-member Assembly. The BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats, while the Congress and Left Front failed to win any seats.

With campaigning intensifying, the political atmosphere in the state remains charged, as both the ruling TMC and the BJP prepare for another high-stakes electoral showdown.

(With inputs from PTI)

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