‘Central forces will leave after 4 May, you have to stay here’: CM Mamata Banerjee issues stern warning to Bengal police amid polls

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (Image via NDTV)

Amid the heated election atmosphere in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticised the state police, saying they must remember their responsibility as the central forces will not stay forever.

“You will remain here, not the central forces”

Speaking at a public event, Banerjee gave a clear message to police personnel, saying that after 4th May, the central forces deployed for elections will leave, but the state police will continue to serve in Bengal. She said the administration is fully aware of the officers and their families, indicating that accountability will remain even after the polls are over. “I am not saying that you help TMC, but you should think only about the people of Bengal and work impartially. We will take care of you and your family.” she added.

Questions over the role of police during elections

The Chief Minister raised concerns about the conduct of the police during the ongoing elections. She said that instead of maintaining neutrality, the police are working in coordination with central forces, which she believes is affecting the election process. Her remarks come at a time when the state is already witnessing political tension and clashes.

Attack on BJP and Centre

Banerjee also targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party and the central government, asking whether they would decide how Bengal should function. She said the Centre should first handle issues in its own regions before pointing fingers at her state.

Referring to the Pahalgam attack, she claimed that proper security arrangements were not made there, while a massive number of central forces have been sent to Bengal. “You sent 2 lakh central forces here, but you could not do that in Pahalgam. Your should focus on Delhi, not here”, she added for the Modi government.

Claim on election performance

Confident about her party’s position, Banerjee said that her party has already crossed the 100-seat mark in the first phase of voting. She added that this momentum will continue in the coming phases and that this is the reason the opposition is feeling nervous.

Voter appeal and NRC concern

The Chief Minister also appealed to voters to cast their votes carefully and keep their voter slips safe. She expressed concern that in the future, issues related to NRC could create problems for people, and urged them to stay alert.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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