BJP, EC removed state officers to take away admin powers, incite riots: CM
Times of India | 29 March 2026
Raniganj/Kolkata: The BJP-led central govt, in collusion with the EC, had transferred stated officials so that riots could be "organised", alleged CM Mamata Banerjee on Saturday. She was speaking at an election campaign in Raniganj.
"Administrative power has been snatched from my hands. You caused a riot in Raghunathganj yesterday. BJP, you did it. You should be ashamed, BJP. That's why you removed people (officers): so you could incite a riot... The main reason behind taking away power from my hands is to create such violence," said the CM. As many as 35 were injured in the violence in Murshidabad's Raghunathganj.
Calling the violence "really unfortunate", the CM said: "We too celebrate Ram Navami and take out processions, but we never incite violence. Who gave you the right to destroy someone's house? You came out of the rally and burned shops and houses. We won't spare you. Remember, people will pass the verdict on you."
Calling for unity, Banerjee said, "In Bengal, we live with all religious communities in unity. Religion means humanity. Society can only function when we take everyone along with us."
She also cited examples of Bengal's cultural icons to stress unity. "Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's right hand man was Shahnawaz Khan. Was that an error on Netaji's part? On one side, you have Bolpur, where Rabindranath Tagore established Santiniketan. On the other side, you have Churulia, where Kaji Nazrul Islam was born. I would urge communal people to read our literature. They would then know that Nazrul wrote countless Shyamasangeet," said Banerjee.
The CM also said she was all forms of demolition. "How many temples were demolished in the Kashi Vishwanath corridor? They demolished a Kali temple in Delhi as well. I am questioned every day for building the Jagannath Dham. Ask them who gave them permission to demolish houses and shops," she said.
"Day before yesterday, you carried guns in a procession in Suri. I don't know why the administration is not taking action. Please don't blame me for the law and order situation. I don't have any power left since all the officers have been changed. BJP has cherry-picked officers," said Banerjee. She also had a word of advice for officers. "Around 100 officials who know the geography well have been transferred to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This has been done to help BJP bring in cash, arms and drugs. I would tell the officers who have received new postings... remember, you are in the state administration. Focus on people, there's no need to look at me," she said.
The CM also urged the administration to carry out regular naka checks to stop "outsiders" from fomenting trouble in the state. "Outsiders have come here in large numbers. Money comes in vehicles belonging to central forces. I have several documents with me. Is this the reason for changing the officers? I still believe those who are in the administration are not biased," she said.