West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized the Election Commission (EC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a TMC conference at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday. Addressing party leaders and workers ahead of the 2026 state elections, she accused the BJP of manipulating voter lists with the EC’s alleged support and warned of potential protests if electoral rolls aren’t corrected.

Banerjee questioned the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner, alleging BJP influence over the EC. She claimed the party has enrolled fake voters from states like Haryana and Gujarat to sway polls, citing Delhi and Maharashtra as examples. “How the BJP is manipulating voters' list with the blessings of Election Commission is very much clear,” she said, accusing the BJP of targeting Bengal next.

Her strongest warning came with a threat of action against the EC. Referencing her 26-day hunger strike in 2006, she declared, “If I can go for 26 days hunger strike, then we can start a movement against the Election Commission too. If needed, we can go for dharna before the Election Commission's office for an indefinite period to press for demand to correct voter rolls and remove fake electors.” She vowed that TMC workers would identify and challenge fake voters, asserting, “We will not allow outsiders (BJP) to capture Bengal.”

The remarks highlight escalating tensions as the TMC and BJP prepare for a fierce 2026 electoral battle. Banerjee framed the BJP as reliant on unfair tactics, unable to win fairly in Bengal. Her call for a possible dharna reflects distrust in central institutions and sets an aggressive tone for the TMC’s campaign, signaling a contentious road ahead as she aims for a fourth term. Pic Credit PTI.