Kolkata, May 24 -- Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday strongly criticised the BJP government in Bengal, accusing it of introducing "bulldozer politics" in the state and using fear and force as tools of governance. Banerjee alleged that within weeks of the regime change, demolition drives, evictions and political intimidation had become symbols of the new administration.
Referring to recent eviction drives and demolitions in different parts of the state, Banerjee claimed that ordinary people, particularly hawkers and economically weaker families, were being targeted without rehabilitation or proper hearings. "People struggle their entire lives to build a house or sustain a livelihood. Through force, they are now being deprived of everything," she said. She alleged that civic decisions were being imposed arbitrarily and that even municipal authorities were often kept in the dark about actions carried out on the ground.
The TMC supremo also alleged that democratic institutions in the state were being systematically weakened. According to her, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and other civic bodies were not being allowed to function independently.
Drawing comparisons with her government's tenure, Banerjee said nearly 30 per cent of panchayats had remained under Opposition control during the Trinamool Congress rule, yet their functioning was never disrupted.
Banerjee also alleged widespread post-poll violence where several supporters died. According to her, several leaders and councillors were being arrested, party offices demolished and supporters intimidated as a part of political targeting. Banerjee further questioned the legitimacy of the recent Assembly election results, alleging large-scale manipulation during the polling and counting process. She claimed that names of nearly one crore voters had been removed due to "logical discrepancies" and alleged irregularities at counting centres. BJP workers, she alleged, entered counting centres wearing uniforms resembling those of central forces, while opposition polling agents were prevented from functioning freely. During her address, Banerjee criticised what she described as the erosion of Bengal's cultural identity under the new government. From the alleged neglect of Rabindra Jayanti celebrations to the demolition of statues and removal of government logos, she claimed institutions built over years were being systematically dismantled.
Calling upon party workers not to lose courage, Banerjee said the Trinamool Congress would continue to resist what she termed "authoritarian politics" in Bengal. "We will fight against this bulldozer politics democratically," she asserted.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.