Banerjee expressed her bewilderment at the BJP’s intimidation tactics, questioning why they were resorting to such measures if they were confident…reports Asian Lite News
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has levelled serious accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a campaign of violence and intimidation against those opposing them. This was during an election rally in support of Trinamul Congress (TMC) candidate Satabdi Roy for the Birbhum Lok Sabha seat.
Banerjee’s concern stemmed from the recent arrest by Kolkata Police of a Mumbai resident, purportedly linked to a meeting with 26/11 attack accused David Headley, who was allegedly conducting surveillance on the residence and office of her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, a TMC national general secretary.
Banerjee expressed her bewilderment at the BJP’s intimidation tactics, questioning why they were resorting to such measures if they were confident in their prospects for winning the polls. She cited instances where BJP leaders made threatening remarks, with one even declaring intentions to detonate a bomb, prompting Banerjee to challenge them to target her instead. She highlighted the gravity of the situation by emphasizing that the arrested individual had conducted a reconnaissance of Abhishek’s residence and attempted to set up a meeting, potentially endangering his life.
Also Read
The chief minister accused the BJP of attempting to silence dissenting voices by either eliminating or incarcerating them, portraying them as a threat to democracy. Banerjee’s concerns were further fueled by remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, hinting at a significant disruptive event aimed at the TMC leadership.
The arrest of the individual, identified as Rajaram Rege, from Mumbai by the Special Task Force of Kolkata Police intensified the political tension. Rege, allegedly associated with a political party in Maharashtra, had reportedly made contact attempts with Abhishek Banerjee and his personal assistant, raising suspicion of sinister motives. Additional Commissioner of Police Murlidhar Sharma revealed Rege’s prior connection with David Headley, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Banerjee’s apprehensions about her safety and that of her nephew were validated by these events, prompting concerns over their security despite receiving Z+ security cover. The developments underscored the intense political rivalry in West Bengal, with the specter of violence and intimidation looming large over the electoral landscape.
ALSO READ: Farmers protest BJP candidates across Punjab
