Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her alleged comments on the Election Commission and raised questions as to how she took charge after winning the elections thrice. Responding to Banerjee’s statement regarding the Election Commission, Rijiju said, “First ask her how she became the Chief Minister after winning the elections thrice?”.
The Union Minister’s comments come amid the ongoing political tussle between leaders over the functioning of the Election Commission. Earlier on Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the Election Commission, alleging it was interfering in the state’s affairs and threatening officials and said any attempt by anyone to “subvert democracy” would be given a “befitting reply”.
The Chief Minister called the Election Commission ‘Tughlaqi Commission’ and alleged that state government officials were being harassed. Addressing a press conference here, Banerjee accused the Election Commission of highhandedness and oppression. He said, “The Election Commission is interfering in the affairs of every state. They are issuing threats. We will follow the rules. But this is the Tughlaqi Commission. If you cross the line, the public will hit you for six.”
He alleged that common citizens are also facing harassment. He asked, “They are harassing the common people. If action is being taken against BJP complainants against EROS, then why is action not being taken against the Election Commission?”.
Banerjee claimed that the BJP-led government will not remain in power after 2026. “After 2026, the central government will lose power. If anyone wants to destroy democracy, I will give a befitting reply. If needed, I will take it to the world level,” she said.
“Whoever is threatening the officials, I would like to remind them that the Election Commission cannot do anything without rules. Your end is certain. I am not blaming all the members of the Commission, but I do not like Mohammad Bin Tughlaq at all. These people are like washing machines, who are washing away democratic rights,” she said.
The Trinamool Congress leader said he was ready for any result. He said, “I am ready to go to jail, if you want to kill me then kill me. I am ready to sacrifice anything for the public. We have all the evidence, we will expose everyone.”
“Look at the Bangladesh elections, how peacefully they conducted them. Your threatening culture is destroying democracy. I would like to remind… who is plotting against us, we know your history. Don’t take revenge from the public,” she said. Politics in Bengal has heated up as assembly elections are scheduled in the state in the first six months of this year. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a tough challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party.