Mamata warns Bengal voters: 'Stay away from BSF posts' as SIR row sparks political firestorm

Speaking at a rally in Krishnagar, Banerjee urged people living near border regions to stay away from BSF posts, claiming that the voter list review exercise was being misused to target Bengal residents.

'Be ready with your kitchen tools': Mamata’s message to women

In her fiery address, Banerjee alleged that women were being unfairly targeted during the SIR process and told them to be prepared to defend their rights if their names were removed from the voter list.

She said women should not allow anyone to suppress them and that they possessed both strength and resilience.

Highlighting her distrust of the BJP’s tactics during elections, Banerjee alleged that central forces and police teams would be brought from Delhi to intimidate women during the polls.

She claimed that the women of Bengal would lead resistance on the ground, with men standing behind them.

Accusations against BJP over communal politics

Emphasising her commitment to secularism, the Chief Minister accused the BJP of using money and divisive strategies to polarise voters during every election cycle.

She criticised the public Bhagavad Gita recital organised in Kolkata, saying spirituality rests in the heart and not in political spectacles.

Banerjee said true dharma stands for purity, peace and humanity—not hatred or discrimination.

Invoking renowned figures such as Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, she argued that Bengal’s icons never divided people, questioning the BJP’s claims of cultural guardianship.

Bengal’s cultural identity and personal freedom

Banerjee framed the current political battle as one that tests Bengal’s identity and its long history of participation in India’s freedom struggle.

She said people did not need anyone’s certification to prove their citizenship and that personal choices, including dietary preferences, should remain private.

She accused the BJP of attempting to interfere even in such personal matters.

'An injured tiger is more dangerous'

Repeatedly portraying Bengal and her party as determined and unyielding, Banerjee described herself as an “injured tiger”, warning that attempts to attack or intimidate her would be met with fierce resistance.

She accused the BJP of planning elections using voter lists allegedly prepared by its IT cell, asserting that while Bihar had resisted such political manipulation, Bengal would firmly reject it as well.

'Stay away from BSF posts'

Towards the end of her speech, Banerjee issued a stern advisory: citizens living near border regions should refrain from going anywhere near BSF posts.

She said her government would not permit any attempt to evict or disenfranchise residents under the pretext of border security or voter verification.

The SIR controversy has rapidly evolved into a major political flashpoint in poll-bound Bengal, with both the TMC and BJP trading sharp accusations as the state moves closer to the election season.