Mamata Banerjee Warns of Electoral Fear Tactics in West Bengal

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee claims elections will be announced post-finalization of electoral rolls to avoid legal issues. At a public meeting, she accused the SIR exercise of causing voter fear and criticized the BJP government's tactics, warning of cultural erosion if they gain power in Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that the state assembly elections will be announced immediately after the final electoral rolls are published in February. She asserted that this timing aims to prevent any legal challenges to the rolls.

Speaking at a public gathering in Cooch Behar district, Banerjee alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has been designed to instill fear among voters. She expressed concern that many citizens could be arbitrarily removed from the voters' list.

Banerjee criticized the BJP-led central government, accusing it of being anarchic and autocratic, and warned that under BJP rule, Bengal's culture, language, and heritage could be at risk. She also accused the government of planning to impose President's Rule had her administration blocked the SIR.

(With inputs from agencies.)