Kolkata, April 2 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that the harassment of seven judicial officers in Kaliachak, Malda district, was the result of a “joint conspiracy” by the BJP and the Election Commission of India aimed at paving the way for the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.
“It was the ECI’s duty to ensure the protection of the judicial officers. With the model code of conduct in force, I do not have any control over the administration. But I request all of you not to be provoked. I know that the grievances of those whose names have been deleted in the judicial adjudication process are genuine. But if you have faith in me, do not be excited. We have to protect West Bengal. Do not forget that the BJP is behind the Kaliachak incident with the Commission's assistance. Their only aim is to disrupt the election process and impose President's Rule in West Bengal,” the Chief Minister said while addressing an election rally at Sagardighi in Murshidabad district, adjacent to Malda, on Thursday afternoon.
Without naming any specific parties, the Chief Minister also indirectly hinted at the possible involvement of Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party (AAUP), founded by former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir, and Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), in the Kaliachak incident.
AIMIM and AAUP are jointly contesting in several Assembly constituencies, mainly those dominated by minorities, this time. "On one hand, someone flew in from Hyderabad. On the other hand, a traitor emerged on the scene, being funded by the BJP. They incited you to block the roads and gherao the judges. What was the result?" the Chief Minister questioned.
Incidentally, Owaisi's base is in Hyderabad. On the other hand, Kabir had been branded as a traitor since he floated his own political party, AAUP, after being suspended from Trinamool Congress.
"If you do not want the BJP to take control of power in West Bengal, maintain peace. The Kaliachak incident has tarnished the image of West Bengal. The new Chief Secretary, who had been appointed by the ECI to replace the earlier one, could not handle things. I request you not to take the law into your own hands," the Chief Minister said.
