New Delhi: Following the results of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging large-scale manipulation and bias.
Addressing the media on May 5, Banerjee asserted that her party had not been defeated but was “deliberately made to lose.” She categorically ruled out stepping down from her position, stating, “There is no question of my resignation. I will not go to Raj Bhavan to resign. We have morally won this election.”
Banerjee claimed that nearly 100 seats were “snatched away” from her party and alleged that around 9 million votes were removed from voter lists. She accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of influencing the outcome, alleging that the BJP used the Election Commission to secure victory.
She further alleged that the poll body acted as a “villain” during the elections, raising concerns over the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “How can EVMs show 80–90% charge after polling? This raises serious questions,” she said.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief accused authorities of targeting her party leaders and workers in the run-up to the elections. According to Banerjee, arrests, raids, and transfers of senior IAS and IPS officers were carried out to influence the electoral process.
“They changed officers, carried out raids everywhere, and worked in coordination with the BJP. This was a fixed match between the BJP and the Election Commission,” she alleged.
Banerjee said her party battled against the full force of the central government machinery. She alleged that names of around 9 million voters were removed under Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and only a portion were restored after legal intervention.
“I have never seen such an election in my life. It was a dirty and unfair game,” she said.
Banerjee also revealed that several leaders from the opposition bloc, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and Hemant Soren had extended their support.
She emphasized that the INDIA alliance remains united and would grow stronger in the coming days. “My goal is clear I will strengthen the alliance like an ordinary citizen,” she added.
In an emotional note, Banerjee said she has always dedicated her life to public service and claimed she had not taken salary or pension benefits during her tenure.
“Now I am a free bird. I am no longer bound by the chair. I will continue to serve the people,” she said.
Banerjee further alleged that she was prevented from entering polling booths and that her party workers were harassed by central forces and election officials. She claimed that party agents were assaulted and forcibly removed from polling stations.
The post-result political climate in West Bengal has turned increasingly confrontational, with Banerjee’s remarks setting the stage for a larger political battle. While the Election Commission has not yet responded to these allegations, the controversy is expected to intensify in the coming days.
