'If you target me in Bengal...': Mamata warns BJP
What's the story
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. "If you target me in Bengal, and I consider any assault on my people as a personal attack, then I will shake the entire nation," she said. Addressing an anti-SIR rally in Bongaon, Banerjee accused the BJP of manipulating voter lists. "We never opposed SIR, but we said no genuine voters can be deleted," she said.
Election manipulation
Banerjee accuses BJP of manipulating electoral process
Banerjee also accused the BJP of targeting specific communities and manipulating the electoral process. She said, "BJP cannot fight and defeat me at my game," reiterating her commitment to protecting voters' rights in West Bengal. The revision of voter rolls is currently underway in Bengal, with all electors required to submit a partially pre-filled unique Enumeration Form by December 4. The draft roll will be published on December 9.
Conspiracy allegations
Banerjee accuses BJP of conspiracy, criticizes CAA stance
Banerjee also accused the BJP of a "conspiracy" to prevent her from reaching the rally by canceling her helicopter flight. She reached Bongaon by road and addressed issues concerning the Matua community and other beneficiaries. The CM also slammed the BJP's stance on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), alleging forms were being distributed based on religion due to upcoming elections.
CAA warning
Banerjee warns CAA applications may complicate future
Banerjee warned that applying for the CAA could complicate future situations for some voters. "And when you apply for CAA and declare by yourself that you are a Bangladeshi citizen and now want to be an Indian citizen, it will be proven that you are a foreigner," she said. She also spoke about language and identity, saying, "Our mother language is Bengali... If they want, they can brand me a Bangladeshi too!"
Constitutional appeal
Banerjee invokes Constitution, accuses BJP of 'Adarma'
Banerjee invoked the Constitution, saying it calls for harmony among all religions. She accused the BJP of "torturing people" and resorting to "Adharma" in the name of Dharma. The CM's statements come amid rising tensions between her party and the BJP over voter list revisions and allegations of religious discrimination in CAA applications. "BJP cannot fight and defeat me at my game," she said.