Kolkata

Samik Bhattacharya, West Bengal BJP chief, on Friday accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of making “desperate” allegations ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, claiming her remarks about outsiders entering the state to create unrest reflect political anxiety.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, the BJP leader said Banerjee’s claims raise serious concerns about the functioning of the state’s law enforcement.

“Going by her logic, it raises questions about the failure of police to monitor the entry of such elements allegedly carrying arms and ammunition,” he said.

Political war of words intensifies

Bhattacharya alleged that the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo is constructing a narrative in anticipation of electoral defeat.

“Being a seasoned politician, she knows her party may not return to power, hence these provocative statements,” he added.

Earlier, while releasing her party’s candidate list, Banerjee had alleged that “outsiders” were being brought into West Bengal to assist the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during elections, urging party workers to remain vigilant.

Allegations over violence and institutions

The BJP leader further claimed that the TMC would blame both the BJP and the Election Commission of India in case of any untoward incidents.

He also accused TMC workers of attacking BJP members and journalists in the past, questioning the number of FIRs registered and arrests made in such cases.

Responding to allegations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had threatened action against TMC leaders, Bhattacharya clarified that the remarks referred to legal action against those named in FIRs related to the 2021 post-poll violence.

Governance and development issues raised

Shifting focus to governance, Bhattacharya criticised the state government’s employment record, pointing to the Yuva Sathi scheme—which provides a monthly allowance to unemployed youth—as evidence of a lack of job creation.

He also questioned the outcomes of the Bengal Global Business Summit, alleging that despite participation, investors were choosing other states over West Bengal.

Additionally, he raised concerns over social indicators such as child marriage and school dropout rates, claiming these contradict the government’s development narrative.

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Poll schedule

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest between the BJP and the ruling TMC.