‘Impossible to Defeat Mamata’: Sanjay Raut Targets BJP Over Bengal Polls

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday claimed that the BJP leadership, along with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is well aware that Mamata Banerjee cannot be defeated in West Bengal.

Speaking to ANI, Raut said, “You(BJP) cannot defeat Mamata Banerjee. Defeating Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal is not just difficult, it’s impossible. This is known to Amit Shah, PM Modi and the entire BJP. Even the Chief Election Commissioner knows this. That’s why they have taken complete control over West Bengal.”

He alleged that the recent transfer of senior officials is part of a larger attempt to tighten control over the state ahead of the elections. “Transfer of Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and Commissioner, what will happen by doing this? Why don’t these transfers and postings happen in other states like Maharashtra and Assam?” he said.

Raut said the public sentiment remains in favour of Banerjee, “the people of the country are with Mamata Banerjee. We are all with her, and once again, Mamata Banerjee will be victorious in West Bengal,” he added.

Raut's remarks come amid a sharp attack by Banerjee on the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the BJP-led Centre. The West Bengal Chief Minister alleged that the state is being selectively targeted and described the transfer of over 50 senior officials as an “undeclared emergency.”

In a post on X, Banerjee said the scale and timing of the transfers point to political interference rather than administrative necessity. “The manner in which the Election Commission has singled out and targeted Bengal is not just unprecedented, it is deeply alarming,” she said, listing multiple top-level officials who were moved even before the formal election notification.

Calling it “political interference of the highest order,” Banerjee said that such actions undermine constitutional principles and reflect a growing politicisation of institutions meant to remain neutral.

The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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