Mamata Banerjee Alleges Massive BJP Mobilisation in Bengal Polls, Warns Against Intimidation and Misinformation

Kolkata, April 2026: Mamata Banerjee, chief of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deploying its entire political and administrative machinery to influence the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections, claiming that the scale of mobilisation reflects the opposition party’s “desperation” to capture power in the state.

Addressing a large public rally in Uttarpara in Hooghly district, Banerjee alleged that senior BJP leaders from across the country have converged in Bengal, turning the state into the focal point of national politics. “Nearly 50 helicopters are flying across the state, and almost the entire Union Cabinet — from the Prime Minister to key ministers — along with Chief Ministers of multiple NDA-ruled states, are stationed here. This shows how desperate they are,” she said.

Contrasting this with her party’s campaign, Banerjee said the TMC was operating with limited resources. “We are managing with just three helicopters to cover the entire state. Despite that, we are reaching the people. Their noise will end once the results are declared on May 4,” she asserted, expressing confidence in her party’s electoral prospects.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns over the heavy deployment of central forces, alleging misuse and intimidation. “Wherever we go, we see central forces and armoured vehicles. These are not being deployed where they are truly needed. Instead, they are being used to create fear among voters,” she claimed. According to her, the presence of such forces in large numbers is aimed at influencing voter turnout and behaviour.

Banerjee took strong exception to remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of using threatening language. Referring to his statement about taking action against alleged TMC-backed miscreants, she said, “As a Union Minister, he cannot speak like this. This is not democratic language; it is the language of intimidation.” She added that her party has documented the speech and plans to present it before a court.

She further criticised Shah for not focusing on pressing national issues, particularly the ongoing violence in Manipur. “Hundreds have lost their lives there, and thousands have been displaced. He should be there addressing the crisis instead of camping in Bengal,” she said, suggesting that his prolonged presence in the state is politically motivated.

The TMC leader also made serious allegations regarding electoral manipulation. She claimed that certain officials associated with central forces were being deployed strategically in sensitive constituencies such as Nandigram and Bhawanipur. These seats are politically significant, particularly as BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is contesting from both.

Banerjee alleged that there were attempts to slow down the voting process in key constituencies and claimed that outsiders had been brought into the state to influence the election outcome. “Hundreds of people have been brought into Bhawanipur and lodged in hotels and guest houses. We will keep a close watch on such activities,” she said, urging party workers to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.

She also claimed that the BJP lacks a genuine grassroots base in West Bengal and relies heavily on mobilising crowds from outside the state. “In their rallies, if there are 100 local people, there are 900 outsiders brought in through agencies,” she alleged.

Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee accused him of making remarks that insult the identity of Bengalis. “For them, Bengalis are labelled in derogatory ways. Who has given them the right to insult the people of this country?” she asked, accusing the BJP of trying to divide communities along regional and religious lines.

She also mocked what she described as “scripted” public appearances by the Prime Minister during his campaign in the state. Referring to a recent boat ride on the Hooghly River, Banerjee alleged that the entire event was pre-planned for media optics. “Everything was arranged in advance, even the simplest gestures were staged for cameras,” she said.

The Chief Minister further raised concerns about the treatment of migrant workers from West Bengal, alleging that they were misled by false promises. “They were given free travel tickets and made to take oaths to vote for the BJP. But later, they were fined ₹2,000. This is exploitation,” she claimed.

Accusing the BJP of attempting to polarise voters, Banerjee said the party was engaging in divisive politics while projecting itself as a protector of religion. She alleged that the BJP had opposed certain religious infrastructure projects in the state while simultaneously trying to appeal to religious sentiments. “They are spreading false narratives. People should not trust them,” she said.

Highlighting her government’s achievements, Banerjee said that industrial development in areas such as Singur and Dankuni was progressing rapidly. She also pointed to major infrastructure initiatives and employment-generating projects, including the Deucha-Pachami coal project, which she said would create jobs for thousands of young people.

She also countered the BJP’s promises regarding implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, stating that her government had already implemented it. “We have delivered on our commitments, while they continue to make false promises,” she said.

Confident of her party’s electoral performance, Banerjee claimed that the TMC would secure a decisive mandate. Referring to the first phase of polling, she said her party had already crossed 100 seats out of 152. “The people of Bengal are with us. We will win this election convincingly,” she asserted.

As the state heads into subsequent phases of polling, Banerjee’s remarks underscore the intensifying political battle in West Bengal, with both the TMC and BJP ramping up their campaigns in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes electoral contest.