BJP moves Election Commission Against Mamata Banerjee for Alleged Incitement to Violence

The BJP on Wednesday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of attempting to incite violence during a public gathering. The complaint referred to Banerjee's alleged statement made in Jalpaiguri's Maynaguri the previous day, where she claimed that some BJP members had shouted "chor, chor" (thief) when her convoy passed through the Chalsa area.

The BJP contended that Banerjee's remark, where she purportedly expressed a desire to silence those shouting accusations against her, was an attempt to incite voters to engage in violent acts.

"They had the courage to say chor chor on seeing my car, if I had the opportunity I would have pulled their tongues out, because of elections I did not say anything," allegedly said Mamata Banerjee according to the BJP. The saffron party said that such statements violate electoral laws and the Model Code of Conduct and urged the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal to promptly address the issue.

Mamata Banerjee, in response to the incident, defended herself during the rally by asserting that she did not rely on governmental resources, such as MP or MLA salaries, and led a modest lifestyle. She reiterated her commitment to simplicity, stating that she travelled in her own vehicle, dressed modestly, and even paid for her own expenses, including a cup of tea. “I travel in my car and do not use a government vehicle. I wear simple clothes and lead a simple life. I even pay for expenses such as a cup of tea," said the Trinamool Congress Supremo.​