Bengal polls: ‘Everything is Amit Shah’s conspiracy,’ Mamata Banerjee slams Home Minister after Malda incident

Bengal polls: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday criticised the Election Commission for its “failing to protect” judicial staff involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Malda district, while calling for the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation following sweeping administrative reshuffles.

On Wednesday, security teams rescued seven judicial officers after they were surrounded by protesters for hours due to the removal of their names from voter lists.

"I condemn the Election Commission for failing to protect the judicial officers," Banerjee said, addressing an election rally here in Murshidabad district.

The TMC chief argued that since the EC installed its own personnel in civil and police roles following the election announcement, the panel has completely failed to maintain law and order.

Notable shifts by the EC included the replacement of the state chief secretary, the home secretary, and the director general of police.

Accusing Amit Shah of masterminding these extensive administrative changes via the Commission, Banerjee insisted that he step down.

"Everything is the conspiracy of Amit Shah. I demand the Home Minister's resignation," the TMC chief said.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court expressed grave concern over the "hostage" situation involving the officials, calling it deplorable and demanding explanations from the DGP and home secretary regarding their "inaction."

The court further authorised the Election Commission to pursue an investigation through either the CBI or the NIA.

"The Supreme Court has rightly said," Banerjee maintained, referring to the order passed by the apex court over the gherao of the seven judicial officers.

She alleged that the BJP’s strategy involves forcing the cancellation of the state elections to usher in President’s rule.

"All my powers have been taken away. I have never seen such an Election Commission," the chief minister said.

She noted that she only became aware of the blockade against the officers at midnight from a journalist.

"I do not know who perpetrated the incident that happened in Malda yesterday, but no one gave me any information," she said, claiming that the new chief secretary has not called on her since taking charge.

"Remember, there is no dearth of traitors within your own fold also," she told the TMC rally, seeking to remind people of the battle of Plassey, where Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah was defeated by the British owing to backstabbing by traitors.

In an oblique reference to AJUP leader Humayun Kabir's planned Babri Masjid-style mosque, Banerjee said that one can construct ten mosques, but doing so during elections is an attempt to deceive people.

"Go and do it in Uttar Pradesh, where the demolition took place, then I will understand how you really have the courage," she added.