Opposition Nexus as Mamata Banerjee Attacks BJP Ahead of Bengal Polls

Rejinagar, April 2026 : Abhishek Banerjee, General Secretary of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the National Register of Citizens (NRC), criticising Union Home Minister Amit Shah and asserting that such measures would not be allowed in West Bengal.

Addressing a public rally in Rejinagar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Banerjee said that despite repeated attempts by the Centre, the NRC could not be implemented in the state due to strong resistance from the Trinamool Congress leadership. “Amit Shah had claimed NRC would be implemented. We did not allow it to happen. If the Union Home Minister is Amit Shah, then Bengal’s Home Minister is Mamata Banerjee,” he declared, underscoring the state government’s opposition to the policy.

Banerjee also alleged a tacit alliance among multiple opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, ISF, AIMIM, and AJUP. Using a metaphor, he compared their alleged collaboration to a mix of “rotten vegetables,” saying such an alliance would only harm the people. “If you cook khichdi with rotten potatoes, onions, and brinjals, it will only upset your stomach,” he remarked, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

Referring to AJUP leader Humayun Kabir, Banerjee questioned his alleged links with BJP leaders and senior political figures, including Suvendu Adhikari, as well as connections with central leadership and chief ministers from other states. He accused Kabir of aligning with those associated with the demolition of the Babri structure in 1992, raising questions about his political stance. “These are not my words; he himself has claimed such connections,” Banerjee said.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also intensified her attack on the BJP, particularly over its “Sankalp Patra” (manifesto). Addressing another rally, she strongly opposed the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that her party would repeal the law if it came to power without a BJP majority at the Centre.

“They are talking about UCC in their manifesto. I strongly oppose it. Today they have the numbers to pass such a bill, but when they lose majority, we will repeal it,” she said. Mamata Banerjee further alleged that free and fair elections are not possible under BJP rule, accusing the party of undermining democratic processes.

She also criticised the Centre for allegedly attempting to introduce a delimitation bill in Parliament without adequate discussion during the election period. According to her, such moves are aimed at political advantage and could impact states like West Bengal.

The Chief Minister reiterated her party’s stand against NRC and accused the BJP of trying to divide the state. She also made a personal allegation, claiming that false affidavits had been filed in an attempt to cancel her candidature from Bhabanipur in the past. “If they can do this to me, imagine what they can do to others,” she said.

The political rhetoric comes at a crucial time as West Bengal gears up for Assembly elections scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4. The elections follow the high-stakes 2021 contest, in which the Trinamool Congress secured a decisive victory with 213 seats.

However, the BJP’s significant rise—from a marginal presence to winning 77 seats in the previous election—has set the stage for another intense electoral battle. With both sides trading sharp accusations and counter-allegations, the upcoming polls are expected to be closely contested and politically charged.