West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday attacked BJP during an Eid-ul-Fitr event in Kolkata, saying she stood with all castes, communities, and creeds while accusing the Modi government of trying to snatch rights through SIR and impose President’s rule in the state.Speaking after Eid prayers at Red Road, Banerjee alleged that SIR was part of a broader attempt to influence the electoral process in the state, saying, “People’s names were deleted in SIR I went from Kolkata to Delhi, from Calcutta High Court to the Supreme Court for this. I hope that people’s rights are safeguarded.”Mamta drew loud cheers from the gathering when she said, “Those who are targeting Bengal and trying to divide people should go to hell.” Her remarks come amid a growing political row over the electoral roll scrutiny exercise, which the TMC has repeatedly called an attempt to remove names of genuine voters, especially from minority-dominated areas, ahead of the assembly elections.The chief minister referred to Bengal’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony, saying the state would not allow attempts to divide society to succeed.“Bengal believes in unity. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, everyone lives together here. We will not allow anyone to break this social fabric,” Mamta said. “I stand with everyone in Bengal, with all castes, communities, and creeds. I will continue this fight. We will not let Modi ji snatch away our rights,” she added.Mamta also accused the Centre of trying to control the state government. “You are trying to forcibly control our government, you want to impose President’s rule. She added that she won’t be scared: “Jo darte hain, wo marte hain (those who are afraid are finished). Jo ladte hain, wo zindagi mein kamyab hote hain (those who fight succeed in life).” Elections for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.On Friday, TMC also approached the Calcutta High Court, challenging the transfer of several IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal by the Election Commission of India after the announcement of assembly polls.
