Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she would continue efforts to restore deleted voter names, while addressing an election rally in Minakhan, North 24 Parganas. She described the upcoming Assembly election as a fight for people's and Bengal's existence.
Speaking at the campaign event, Mamata Banerjee alleged that a large number of voter names had been removed and raised concerns about their participation in the election.
Voter list issue and NRC allegation
Mamata Banerjee said, "I have already raised the issue of 32 lakh names in the Supreme Court. I will raise the names of the remaining people as well. My concern is that if their names are restored after the elections, they will exist, but they will not be able to vote."
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She claimed that around 90 lakh names had been deleted and alleged that there was a plan to introduce NRC in West Bengal, similar to Assam. Referring to Assam, she said names were removed earlier, and people were placed in detention centres.
The Chief Minister stated that her government would not allow such measures in the state and accused the BJP of trying to gain control through these steps.
Mamata attacks BJP
During her speech, the Chief Minister also criticised the BJP, alleging that people from Bengal are called outsiders in BJP-ruled states. She said, "People from Bengal are called Bangladeshis in other states, yet leaders come here and talk about building a 'golden Bengal'."
She further alleged, "Democracy has been sold like summer vegetables."
On food habits, she said, "Eat what you want and wear what you want. If the BJP comes to power, everything will be shut down."
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Highlighting development, Mamata Banerjee said Bengal has improved its fish and egg production and reduced dependence on other states.
She also warned of alleged attempts to influence voters, saying, "People are being taken to rallies by giving Rs. 500. Money is being deposited in accounts, and then raids are conducted."
The rally was part of the Trinamool Congress's campaign ahead of the Assembly elections.
