Election 26: Mamata Banerjee targeted BJP, also taunted Amit Shah

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during an election rally in Harirampur in South Dinajpur district ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. She was addressing a rally in support of the Trinamool Congress candidate here on Friday.

Mocking Amit Shah's announcement of a 25-day stay in the state ahead of the elections, Mamata Banerjee said that even if he stayed for 365 days instead of 25, it would not make any difference to the Trinamool Congress. She said that the more people see his face, the more the BJP's vote share will decrease. The Chief Minister alleged that his face bears the marks of atrocities and riots.

The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP is conspiring to divide Bengal by dividing seats. She claimed that a plan is being made to create a separate state by combining some parts of Bihar and West Bengal. However, she expressed confidence that the BJP would face defeat in the 2026 elections.

Mamata Banerjee also expressed concern that central forces could be used to prevent voters from casting their votes on polling day. She advised her party's candidates to avoid overconfidence and asked workers to remain vigilant in the area. She referred to the state government's social programs and appealed to voters to remain vigilant.

Referring to the recent incident in Malda, the Chief Minister said that the accused in the case has been arrested by the state's Criminal Investigation Branch. She claimed that the accused was traveling from Maharashtra and a conspiracy was hatched to spread unrest at the behest of the BJP. She said that the accused was arrested in Bagdogra before the National Investigation Agency could reach.

The Chief Minister also alleged that people associated with the BJP are using agencies to ask people for bank account details and luring them with money. She warned people not to share their bank account details.

She said that the Trinamool Congress is reaching out to the public on issues of development and public welfare in the elections, and the party will get public support.