“If Infiltrators Are Entering, Amit Shah Should Resign”: Mamata Banerjee Steps Up Bengal Campaign with Back-to-Back Rallies

Mamata Banerjee stepped up her election campaign on Saturday with a series of major public meetings across the state. Her schedule includes rallies in Keshiary in West Midnapore, Gopiballavpur and Jhargram town in Jhargram district, as well as a public meeting in Barjora. Through these back-to-back events, she aims to convey the party’s message to voters and highlight her government’s development record.

Speaking at a rally on Friday, Banerjee said, “If infiltrators are entering, then Amit Shah should resign.” Reminding the Union Home Minister of his responsibility for border security, she added, “We have not allowed infiltrators to enter, because we do not have the power to do so. The responsibility of border security lies with the central government.”

Continuing her attack on the BJP, Banerjee said at another rally on Friday, “The BJP is a two-faced snake. It strikes once during elections and once after elections. If you want to avoid being bitten, vote for Trinamool.”

After her rally in Keshiary on Saturday, Banerjee addressed a gathering at Jamda Circus Ground in Jhargram. Without directly naming Maoists, she said that after coming to power in 2011, her government had decided to provide home guard jobs to those in Jangalmahal who surrendered. Former Jangalmahal movement leader Chhatradhar Mahato was present at the meeting.
At the Jhargram rally, Banerjee raised the issue of tribal religion and promised recognition for the Sarna religion if her party returns to power in the Assembly elections. She also referred to the earlier controversy surrounding a garlanding incident involving a statue of Birsa Munda, without directly naming the Union Home Minister.

Targeting the central government over the proposed Uniform Civil Code, Banerjee said, “The central government wants to implement the Uniform Civil Code. If that happens, your religion will cease to exist. The customs under which you conduct your marriages will no longer remain.”

She also alleged that people were not allowed to consume non-vegetarian food in BJP-ruled states, stating, “We never say that you cannot eat what you want. No one has the right to interfere in what people eat or wear. We will not allow that to happen in Bengal.”

Expressing concern over possible obstacles for tribal voters on polling day, Banerjee said, “My tribal brothers and sisters may face obstacles while going to vote. But you have your traditional instruments—why fear? Playing drums and clearing the roads, you will reach the polling booths. Your archers are very strong.”

The intensified campaign reflects the rising political stakes in West Bengal as the state prepares for a closely watched electoral contest.