'Go to hell...': Mamata accuses BJP of targeting voters, vows fight over electoral roll revision in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee

• Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of undermining voter rights in Bengal
• TMC alleges voter list revision targets minorities ahead of polls
• Banerjee vows to safeguard democracy and communal harmony

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At a large Eid gathering in Kolkata on Saturday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mounted a strong attack on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of attempting to undermine voters’ rights ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Speaking at Red Road after prayers, the Trinamool Congress chief alleged that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls was being used as a tool to influence the electoral process. According to her party, the exercise has resulted in large-scale deletion of voter names, particularly in minority-dominated areas.

“We will not allow Modi ji and the BJP to take away your voting rights. We will fight till the end to protect democracy and the rights of every citizen,” Banerjee told the gathering.

Her remarks come amid a growing political confrontation between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party over the scrutiny of voter lists. The ruling party in the state has repeatedly alleged that the revision process is aimed at removing genuine voters from the electoral rolls.

Banerjee also issued a warning against any attempt to disenfranchise people under the pretext of verification, asserting that her party would resist such moves.

“Those who are targeting Bengal and trying to divide people should go to hell,” she said, drawing loud applause.

Emphasising the state’s social fabric, she underlined the importance of communal harmony and unity across communities.

“Bengal believes in unity. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians - everyone lives together here. We will not allow anyone to break this social fabric,” she said.

The annual Eid congregation at Red Road, one of the largest in eastern India, has often served as a key outreach platform for political leaders during election cycles.

This year’s event assumes greater significance as the state prepares for a closely contested assembly election, with the TMC aiming to retain power for a fourth term while the BJP looks to build on its previous electoral gains.