New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stepped up her attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, warning of legal action over what she described as violent and provocative remarks targeting Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers.
Addressing an election rally in Hooghly, Banerjee questioned whether it was appropriate for a Union Home Minister to speak about hanging people upside down after the elections, calling the language unacceptable for someone in such a position. She said such statements amount to threats and accused the BJP of trying to influence the electoral outcome through intimidation.
Her remarks came in response to Shah’s speech at a BJP rally in Birbhum district, where he alleged corruption and the existence of a “syndicate” system in West Bengal. He said that if the BJP comes to power, those involved would face strict action, including being “hung upside down.” He also accused TMC workers of using violence, including bomb attacks, to intimidate voters, and suggested that voters would respond through the ballot.
Banerjee maintained that such rhetoric would not help the BJP secure victory in the state and reiterated that her party would pursue legal steps against the Union Minister.
The political clash comes amid the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections. Shah has also been campaigning aggressively across the state, promising strong action against post-poll violence and assuring voters that central forces would ensure their safety during polling, according to the Times of India. He has claimed that voters are seeking political change and predicted a major electoral gain for the BJP in the ongoing elections.
The first phase recorded a turnout of 91.78 per cent. The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, with counting set for May 4.