Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Election Commission Over Judicial Officers' Gherao

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Election Commission for not protecting judicial officers during the Special Intensive Revision exercise in West Bengal. The officers were besieged by protesters over electoral roll issues. Banerjee accused the Commission of failing to manage law and order and claimed a BJP plot to delay assembly polls.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a strong rebuke to the Election Commission, accusing it of failing to protect judicial officers involved in the Special Intensive Revision in Malda district, West Bengal. Banerjee's criticism comes after seven officers were encircled by protesters for several hours over the contentious deletion of names from electoral rolls.

Speaking at an election rally in Murshidabad district, Banerjee claimed that the Election Commission has overstepped by appointing its own officers in the state's civil and police administrations following the announcement of assembly polls. She asserted that this has compromised the state's law and order, a responsibility she insists has been undermined as several top officials, including the state's chief secretary and DGP, were replaced without her consent.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister accused the BJP of attempting to instigate the cancellation of the assembly polls and the imposition of President's Rule in Bengal. She alleged that the BJP is engaging in communal tactics, with operatives flying in from Hyderabad to influence the Muslim vote. Banerjee's statements highlight heightened political tensions as the state readies for electoral proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)