WB Polls: Mamata desperate, sentiment with BJP, says Kiren Rijiju

Kiren Rijiju claims Bengal's public sentiment is with BJP, calling Mamata Banerjee 'desperate'. He recalls BJP's past support for her. Banerjee hits back, accusing BJP of land grabs, deleting voter names, and vowing to defeat them.

Ahead of West Bengal Assembly polls, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju claimed on Wednesday that the "collective sentiment has firmly shifted toward bringing the BJP to power". Rijiju accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of being "desperate" and using derogatory language against the BJP. "The public mood in West Bengal has already crystallised. The collective sentiment has firmly shifted toward ousting the Trinamool Congress and bringing the BJP to power. It is out of sheer desperation that Mamata Banerjee is making such statements. She should never use such derogatory language against the BJP," Rijiju told ANI.

Rijiju Recalls BJP's Past Support for Banerjee

Rijiju also recalled the BJP's past support for Banerjee when she faced alleged harassment from Communists in the Lok Sabha. "There was a time when she stood alone--when she was allied with the NDA in the Lok Sabha. Back then, when the Communists cornered her inside the House and subjected her to physical harassment, it was the BJP that came to Mamata Didi's rescue. We told her, 'Didi, do not worry; speak your mind freely--we stand right beside you.' Today, she has forgotten those days. The BJP is poised to come to power in West Bengal with an absolute majority. This reflects the prevailing public mood," the Union Minister said.

On the FCRA Bill

On the FCRA bill, he said, "We will introduce it when the appropriate time comes. At present, we have other legislative business"

Mamata Banerjee Hits Back at BJP

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, accusing the party of land grabs, deleting voter names, and indulging in divisive politics, and vowed to ensure it never regains strength in the state.

Speaking to reporters, CM Mamata Banerjee said, "An attempt was made to grab the land of Amartya Sen. An attempt was made to evict him. They should be ashamed of themselves."

"BJP is doing what the CPI(M) used to do. Names have been deleted by looking at the names. I approached the Supreme Court," she added.

Referring to the party's role in West Bengal's history, Banerjee said, "When Bengal was participating in the freedom struggle, the BJP was not even born. They are looting our money and lying. They go out with guns on Ram Navami."

On the upcoming polls, she asserted, "It is important to defeat the BJP so that it never stands up again. There will be a big 'khela' this time."

Tensions Escalate Over Voter Applications

Mamata's attacks on the BJP over land grabs and alleged voter manipulation come amid escalating tensions outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Kolkata, where clashes erupted over bulk submission of Form 6 applications. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)