Electoral Tensions Escalate: BJP vs. Banerjee in West Bengal

The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of threatening state officials to disregard the Election Commission's directions during the electoral roll revision. Banerjee countered that the BJP and EC aim to remove minority and migrant voters. The dispute highlights broader political tensions in the state.

On Monday, the BJP accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of urging state officials to ignore the Election Commission's guidelines during the electoral roll revision process. This accusation follows Banerjee's directive to ensure that people are not harassed during the revision, suggesting that the BJP and Election Commission are deliberately targeting genuine voters.

The BJP's Amit Malviya alleged that Banerjee is attempting to protect her illegal vote bank, which he claims includes Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. Malviya asserted that the survival of Banerjee's party, the Trinamool Congress, relies heavily on these illicit votes, labeling her actions as an assault on democracy.

This controversy arises as the Election Commission plans to commence electoral roll revisions across several states. At a meeting in Bolpur, Banerjee criticized the EC's revision strategy, especially in Bihar, warning officials not to unfairly remove long-standing voters. With state elections looming, the political disputes over electoral integrity intensify.

(With inputs from agencies.)