Mamata targets BJP, ECI, calls for unity at Garbeta rally
The Statesman | 1 April 2026
Launching a sharp political offensive ahead of the Assembly elections, Chief Minister and Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday simultaneously targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India, while issuing a firm message of organisational unity to party leaders and grassroots workers during a massive rally in Garhbeta.
Addressing supporters at the Garhbeta High School ground, Miss Banerjee framed the upcoming electoral contest as a battle to “protect Bengal’s identity, peace, and social harmony,” alleging that attempts were being made to destabilise the state through administrative and political means.
“Work together and carry everyone along — this is my instruction,” she told party workers, signalling an emphasis on internal cohesion amid heightened electoral mobilisation.
In a speech marked by sharp rhetoric, the Trinamul Congress chief accused the BJP of attempting to influence voters through money power and fear politics. “No matter how many notes are distributed, votes cannot be bought,” she said, urging voters to reject what she described as “stolen money” being used during elections.
Miss Banerjee also criticised recent voter list revisions, alleging irregularities and claiming that nearly 30,000 new names had been added shortly before the polls. She called upon party workers to remain vigilant to prevent alleged manipulation of electoral rolls.
Questioning the timing of the exercise, she asked why a “special revision” was undertaken months before elections despite similar measures not being conducted for years earlier.
The chief minister reiterated her opposition to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and detention camps, asserting that such measures would never be allowed in West Bengal under her government.
“If Trinamul does not win, your language, food habits, livelihood and identity will be at risk,” she said, alleging that the BJP’s policies threatened Bengal’s cultural fabric.
Highlighting her government’s achievements, Miss Banerjee listed infrastructure expansion, rural housing, piped drinking water supply, and welfare schemes among key accomplishments. She claimed that nearly 2.2 lakh kilometres of roads had been constructed across the state and accused the Centre of withholding funds meant for rural housing, employment schemes, and drinking water projects.
She reiterated commitments to continue flagship programmes such as Lakshmir Bhandar and Duare Swasthya camps, assuring beneficiaries awaiting payments that they would receive assistance soon.
“Youth schemes are not charity but support towards livelihood,” she said, adding that unemployment had declined in West Bengal despite rising joblessness nationally.
In a notable message directed at party cadres, Miss Banerjee praised workers who remained close to people rather than seeking leadership prominence. “I trust those who stand beside people in their happiness and sorrow. They are our real assets,” she said.
Recalling the violence that once marked parts of Junglemahal, including Lalgarh and Netai, the Chief Minister said peace had been restored after years of unrest. She urged residents not to allow a return to instability, warning that political change could revive violence in the region.
She also narrated an emotional anecdote about a bereaved mother seeking justice during earlier years of conflict, underscoring her government’s claim of restoring normalcy.
The Garhbeta rally followed an earlier campaign meeting in Chandrakona, where Miss Banerjee campaigned for Trinamul candidate Uttara Singh. Party supporters gathered in large numbers, reflecting the intensifying political atmosphere as campaigning gathers pace across West Midnapore district.
With slogans of “Khela Hobe” echoing across the venue, the Chief Minister declared that the political contest had already begun, setting the tone for an increasingly combative election season in West Bengal.