Mamata warns against ‘divisive forces’ in WB elections
Mamata Banerjee warned against “divisive forces” in the ongoing West Bengal polls, accusing opponents of trying to weaken the state from Delhi, and urged voters to defend identity, development, and democratic rights through their mandate
Published Date - 24 April 2026, 05:01 PM
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday cautioned against forces trying to “impose their divisive agenda” in West Bengal, and asserted that this assembly election is about resisting a systematic attempt to “weaken” the state and control it.
Banerjee, who has been crisscrossing the state and addressing poll rallies for the last month, said in a post on X that every attempt to “undermine” Bengal will be met with a decisive democratic pushback.
“Those sitting in Delhi, plotting to snatch Bengal’s rights and impose their agenda, should understand it clearly that the people of Bengal are watching, and they will respond through their vote. This election is about resisting a systematic attempt to weaken Bengal and control it,” the TMC supremo said.
The CM was apparently referring to the sustained campaign by central BJP leaders in the state, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and others.
“Across Chowrangee, Bhabanipur, Jadavpur and Tollyganj, I saw people turn out with clear intent, determined, united, and ready to defend Bengal, its identity, and its future. Those who believe they can run Bengal from Delhi, dictate its politics, divide its people, and distort its culture are deeply mistaken. This land has a long memory and a stronger spine,” she asserted. Banerjee claimed that development has reached every doorstep in Bengal despite constant obstruction.
“Our welfare schemes are lifelines, and no force, however powerful it believes itself to be, can take that away from the people. Bengal stands tall today, for progress, for peace, and for dignity. The love and trust of the people are our greatest strength. They drive us forward and will defeat every attempt to weaken Bengal,” she said.
Banerjee urged people to rise above differences, stand united, and vote to protect Bengal’s language, culture, and future. The first phase of elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly took place on Thursday, while the second round will be held on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.