Mamata Banerjee Stirs Political Tempest in Bhabanipur Ahead of Assembly Polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday while campaigning in the Bhabanipur constituency. Amidst fervent campaigning, she labeled Bengal as a 'mini India' that she vowed never to divide, predicting that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), would again cross the century mark in the Assembly elections. She urged voters to take precautions against a possible future National Register of Citizens (NRC) drive by preserving photocopies of their voter slips. The Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency's polls are set for April 29, following Mamata's contest from Nandigram.

Addressing the crowd, Banerjee stressed her government's dedication to inclusive development and outlined various religious and educational institutions established under her tenure. She criticized the BJP for allegedly dividing Bengal, stating, "I believe that it is a mini India. We must all live together." Highlighting local projects, she mentioned significant investments in educational and religious infrastructures seen as integral to her administration's vision.

Banerjee also took aim at the BJP-led central government over taxation, arguing that while her administration avoided raising taxes, the central authorities have burdened citizens with GST. "We are not a tax corporation," she asserted, criticizing the central government's tax policies during her appeal for voter support. As Kolkata eyes election results, Banerjee exuded confidence in TMC's display, casting the BJP as unnerved by her party's strong showing in the first election phase.

(With inputs from agencies.)