‘Can so many come from outside?’ Shah counters Mamata’s charge

Amit Shah rejected Mamata Banerjee’s claim that BJP imported paid supporters for rallies, asserting strong local backing. Amid poll tensions, clashes were reported, even as he expressed confidence of a decisive BJP victory

Behala: Responding to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s allegation that the BJP was bringing paid supporters from outside states to swell crowds at public rallies, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday firmly rejected the claims.

Refuting the accusation, HM Shah questioned the logic behind the allegation and said, Show this crowd. Can so many people come from outside? “He added,’ Kya yaar, aap bhi Mamata Banerjee ki baat sun rahe ho, ‘ implying that such claims should not be taken seriously.”

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The remarks come after CM Banerjee, on April 5, alleged that the BJP was mobilising supporters from other states and paying them to attend rallies in a bid to influence the ongoing Assembly elections. Shah reiterated his confidence in the party’s prospects, stating that the BJP would secure a decisive mandate in the state. We are going to win the election with a huge majority, he asserted.

Reacting to reports of clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers, HM Shah dismissed concerns of widespread violence. There is no clash at all; the election is being conducted peacefully. Those who have covered Bengal know how many people used to die in every election, he said.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in Jagatdal in North 24 Parganas, where a violent clash broke out between workers of the two parties on Sunday night. The incident involved stone-pelting, firing, and the use of crude bombs, leaving several people injured. At least three individuals sustained injuries, while a jawan of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) suffered a bullet injury to his leg.

Officials stated that the clash occurred near a police station after BJP workers alleged that posters and flags put up for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at Jalebi Math Maidan had been removed.

Campaigning for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 has intensified, with major political parties organising rallies, roadshows, and public meetings to attract voters. West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 92.03 per cent in the first phase of polling on April 23, despite isolated incidents of violence. The election witnessed the highest-ever polling in the state since 1951.