Kolkata: West Bengal will be one of the most keenly-watched states when Assembly elections take place in four states and a Union territory next month.
The BJP is leaving no stone unturned to capture power in the state for the first time, while Trinamool Congress (TMC) is equally desperate to win the people’s mandate for a fourth consecutive term.
With voting for the first of two phases just three-and-a-half weeks away, charges and counter-charges are flying thick and fast.
A day after Union Home minister Amit Shah released a 35-page ‘chargesheet’ against Trinamool, listing BJP’s allegations against the ruling party, chief minister hit back hard at the saffron party on Sunday.
Addressing an election rally in Purulia, Mamata said that people will be stopped from eating fish and other meat items if the BJP comes to power in the state, reported Hindustan Times.
“Fish is not eaten in BJP-ruled states. If the BJP comes to power, you won’t be able to eat meat or eggs. BJP is one-sided, they don’t believe in any religion,” the TMC supremo said.
Playing the anti-Bengali card, Mamata sai
d that Bengali-speaking people are attacked in other states. She alleged that the ruling party at the Centre grabs power by “inciting riots”.
“These people come to power by inciting riots, they come to power by killing people… The most attacks on tribals, attacks on women happen in BJP-ruled states… Our Bengali-speaking people are attacked in other states. We don’t oppress anyone,” Mamata said.
‘Planning to attack me again’?
Responding to Shah’s ‘bandage’ remark against her, Mamata countered: “Apparently, before elections, I go around wearing a bandage. I have returned from the jaws of death time and again. Go to the hospital and check the medical records. During the last election, it was your people who deliberately injured my leg. Are you planning to attack me again? A plan is usually hatched before attempting to assassinate someone’s character. Is that what is happening here?”
Shah accused the Bengal CM of playing the victim card before any election. “As soon as the elections come, Mamata Banerjee either breaks her leg or falls ill. She seeks people’s sympathy by showing some illness or another. But that ploy will not work out this time,” he said.
West Bengal will vote on April 23 and April 29. Counting of votes in West Bengal, along with Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, will take place on May 4.