With the first phase of West Bengal Assembly elections just days away, the political battle in the state has intensified after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the Trinamool Congress would be “finished permanently” once the BJP comes to power in West Bengal.
Addressing an election rally in Cooch Behar, Sarma launched a fierce attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that she fears the rise of the BJP because it would mark the end of her political dominance in the state.
He said that just as the BJP had pushed the Congress out of states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the same would happen to the Trinamool Congress in Bengal once voters elect the BJP to power.
Sarma also mocked statements made by rival leaders, saying many political claims made by opponents were unrealistic and could not be fulfilled. He asserted that the BJP government would decisively settle issues that, according to him, the ruling party in Bengal has failed to address.
His remarks have added fresh heat to an already charged election atmosphere, with the BJP and TMC engaged in an aggressive battle for political control of the state.
The Trinamool Congress has reacted sharply to the Assam Chief Minister’s speech and filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing him of making divisive and inflammatory remarks during the campaign.
According to the complaint submitted by TMC leader Derek O'Brien, Sarma’s statements were designed to polarise voters and create communal tensions ahead of the elections. The party alleged that his remarks targeted specific communities and attempted to influence the election through religious rhetoric.
TMC has urged the Election Commission to take immediate action, saying such statements violate the spirit of fair campaigning and could disturb harmony during the crucial election period.
West Bengal is preparing for a high-stakes two-phase election, with the first phase of voting scheduled in 152 constituencies and the second phase to cover the remaining 142 seats. The contest is being viewed as a major showdown between the ruling Trinamool Congress, which is seeking another term, and the BJP, which is aggressively pushing to expand its presence in the state.
