Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Bringing ‘Paid Supporters’, Raises EVM Concerns Ahead of Bengal Polls

Kolkata, April 2026: Mamata Banerjee on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party is bringing “paid supporters” from other states to influence the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader also raised concerns over the security of electronic voting machines (EVMs), urging heightened vigilance during the polling process.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Banerjee criticised the recent rally held by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Bhawanipur constituency, where she is contesting as a TMC candidate. She alleged that the BJP was not only mobilising voters from states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh but also bringing in large groups of “outsiders” as paid crowds.

“The BJP is bringing people from outside to create an atmosphere of intimidation. Along with them, they are trying to import a culture that Bengal does not accept,” Banerjee said, accusing the party of attempting to disrupt the state’s social harmony.

Referring to a rally linked to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Banerjee alleged that supporters brought in from outside engaged in unruly behaviour. She claimed that during the nomination rally in Bhawanipur, these individuals vandalised campaign materials, tore posters and banners, and misbehaved with women present at the site. She also alleged that they showed disrespect towards a local temple dedicated to Maa Kali.

“This is the kind of change they want to impose on Bengal—a culture of hooliganism, disrespect for women, and disregard for our traditions. The people of Bengal will reject this,” she asserted.

Banerjee also voiced apprehensions regarding the integrity of the electoral process, particularly the use of EVMs. She urged party workers and booth agents to remain alert and thoroughly check voting machines before and after polling.

“Be extremely careful with EVMs. Maintain round-the-clock vigilance. I fear there could be attempts to tamper with machines after voting under the cover of central forces,” she said, calling for strict monitoring to prevent any manipulation.

Her remarks come amid an intensifying political battle in the state. Responding to the allegations, Amit Shah, during his visit on April 2, had called on voters to cast their ballots without fear and to remove the TMC from power. Addressing supporters at Adhikari’s nomination event, Shah said that no one should feel intimidated and urged the electorate to vote decisively for change.

“I appeal to the people to support Suvendu Adhikari and help build a ‘Sonar Bangla’. The state needs to be freed from corruption,” Shah stated, accusing the ruling TMC of governance failures.

Meanwhile, the TMC has countered by alleging that the BJP is attempting to create unrest in the state as part of a larger strategy to justify the imposition of President’s rule ahead of the elections. Banerjee also claimed that certain recent incidents, including one in Malda, were orchestrated to destabilise the situation.

The political atmosphere in West Bengal remains highly charged as the state prepares for elections to its 294-member Assembly. Voting will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

In the previous Assembly elections held in 2021, the Trinamool Congress secured a sweeping victory, winning 213 seats, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats. As campaigning intensifies once again, both parties are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to secure electoral advantage in one of India’s most politically significant states.

Team Maverick