New Delhi, April 8 The BJP raised concerns with the Election Commission on Wednesday regarding the alleged "inflammatory" statements of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her associates, stating that an atmosphere of "lawlessness and fear" was being created in West Bengal, and demanded strict action against them to ensure fair and intimidation-free polling.
The party urged the poll panel to register an FIR against the remarks made against central police forces, impose a temporary campaign ban on Banerjee, issue a public censure, and take steps to safeguard the CRPF personnel deployed in the state.
A BJP delegation, including Union ministers Virendra Kumar and Arjun Ram Meghwal, submitted a memorandum, alleging that TMC leaders were making "inflammatory" statements in an attempt to undermine constitutional institutions and demoralize central forces deployed for election duty in the state.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Kumar alleged that the statements made by Banerjee and her associates in the state are "extremely shameful and condemnable" and are creating distrust towards institutions and encouraging confrontation with security personnel.
"An atmosphere of fear, terror, and anarchy is being created in Bengal during the elections. A sense of distrust is also being generated against the country's constitutional institutions," Kumar said.
He claimed that comments suggesting violence to secure electoral victory – such as breaking limbs or resorting to any means – are contributing to an atmosphere of fear among voters.
"When a family member of the leader says that, in order to win elections, people may have to break legs, necks, and even spines, and that they are free to do anything, such statements are deeply disturbing and create an atmosphere of distrust towards constitutional institutions," Kumar told reporters.
In the memorandum submitted to the poll panel, the party claimed that Banerjee, at a rally on April 7, said that "200 vehicles of CRPF are coming to attack you people", which it termed "gravely inflammatory and seditious statement" and an attempt to instigate fear and hostility among voters.
The BJP further alleged that at another rally in Dakshin Dinajpur on April 3, she accused the central forces of transporting money, thereby casting aspersions on their integrity.
The party contended that such statements amount to a "deliberate and orchestrated attempt" to portray security forces as "enemies of the civilian population, undermine the electoral process, and incite violence against personnel deployed on poll duty".
It alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct, including provisions related to incitement, misuse of official position, and creating enmity between groups.
The BJP also cited provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), accusing Banerjee of offences such as promoting enmity, making statements leading to public mischief, and endangering national unity.
Citing Bengal's past electoral history, Kumar alleged that elections in the state have often been conducted under fear.
"The past history of elections in Bengal shows that fear has often been used as a tool to cross the electoral hurdle. There is visible frustration and desperation. Because of this, such statements are being made, which further vitiate the electoral environment," he said.
The BJP minister claimed that people have become disillusioned with the state government, and the TMC is going through a phase of "frustration, disappointment, and despair".
"A situation of change in power is emerging in the state. It is because of this panic that such statements are being made by leaders," he added.
The BJP delegation urged the Election Commission to take strict action against those making inflammatory remarks and to ensure that voters in West Bengal can cast their votes freely, without fear or coercion.
"We have requested the Commission to guarantee that people get the opportunity to vote independently and peacefully. FIRs should be registered and action taken against those responsible for such statements," Kumar said.
He added that the poll panel has assured the delegation that elections will be conducted in a fair manner and that no atmosphere of violence or intimidation will be allowed.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases – on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.