“Unwarranted Panic, Possible Lockdown?” Mamata Banerjee Questions PM Modi as she kicks off Election Campaign in Bengal

Stepping up her attack on the Centre, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over what she described as an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, asking whether attempts were being made to “create panic” and hinting at concerns over a possible lockdown-like situation.

“Are they trying to create panic? I can’t understand whether they are planning to impose a lockdown…”she asked targeting PM Modi on Thurday from her public meeting in Pandabeshwar.

Launching her 2026 election campaign across North Bengal—from Moinaguri to Jalpaiguri and Naxalbari—Banerjee sharpened her criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of targeting citizens through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. “First prove whether you are citizens of this country, then challenge the people,” she said, alleging that names of many voters, including women, had been removed and that people suffered while standing in long verification queues.
She also trained her guns on the Election Commission of India, alleging irregularities and bias. Describing a “midnight rampage,” Banerjee claimed that an additional SIR list was released overnight, leading to confusion and distress. She further alleged harassment of women and accused central forces of acting in a partisan manner. “Democracy is not on the stage. I will not allow NRC and detention camps,” she asserted.

Raising alarm over voter data, the Chief Minister highlighted the issue of “under adjudication” voters, claiming that names had “vanished” from electoral rolls overnight. “I checked my own name, and that too is under adjudication… it just vanished! Then they say it’s a ‘technical fault’,” she said, warning that such incidents showed the extent to which institutions could be misused.

In Jalpaiguri, Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to divide Bengal, questioning whether there were plans to carve out a new state by combining districts from Bihar and Bengal. “I will not allow any division,” she declared, adding that she had information about alleged financial transactions linked to political activities and could release evidence if required.

From Naxalbari, her attack turned sharper as she accused the BJP of practicing divisive politics. “Ram does not belong to you,” she said, while questioning the party over temple demolitions during the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. She also described the BJP as a “vanish washing machine,” warning that prolonged rule could harm the country.

Amid the sharp political rhetoric, Banerjee also highlighted her government’s welfare initiatives, urging voters to support her party to ensure continuity in development. Referring to schemes such as ‘Cha Sundari’ for tea garden workers, she emphasized that her government delivers on promises and remains committed to empowering marginalized communities.

With her campaign now underway, Banerjee’s remarks signal an aggressive pitch centered on voter rights, federalism, and allegations of institutional misuse—setting the tone for a high-stakes political contest in West Bengal.​