PURULIA/MIDNAPORE: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday questioned why central agencies in four poll-bound states and a Union Territory be not put under the Election Commission like state administrations to ensure “free and fair polls”.
“They (the Centre) have a lot of agencies. During elections, the entire state administration comes under the EC. So, why shouldn’t the central agencies in the states (and UT that are going to polls) be under the EC? In addition, you are sending police from BJP-governed states,” she said.
Her statements come after after several central agencies — CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and even the NIA — have started summoning senior state officials and TMC candidates in connection with various cases. “Every day, TMC is being harassed (by the agencies),” she said.
Abhishek said at a rally in Midnapore that Amit Shah had “lost his mind”.
He said Shah had declared in Gosaba that the Sunderbans would be a separate district and get Rs 2 lakh crore.
“Bengal has 23 districts, Sunderbans will then be the 24th. If they spend the same for all districts, they will need to spend around Rs 50 lakh crore for Bengal. The state has around 10 crore people. This means, everyone of you would get Rs 5 lakh immediately. Let them do it now, and Trinamool will not contest the elections. We contest to work for people. If people get Rs 5 lakh, people win. Let him do what he says.”
The CM alleged she had seen a video in which “the BJP’s Jhargram candidate is offering money for votes. Oder bolun 500 taka cash chai na, bina poisar gas chai. (Tell them you don’t want their Rs 500, but free cooking gas.) You them you want petrol and diesel at lower prices; you want kerosene, adding, “Take the money they offer but vote for TMC. It is your money they are giving you back for votes.... Every time before elections, they make tall promises. First ask them why Rs 500 or Rs 1,000, they should give you the Rs 15 lakh in your bank accounts first. I have information that some (TMC) polling agents have been offered Rs 5 lakh to ‘help with votes’. Yes, they will help. They will help you so much that you will never return to Bengal. If they keep doing this, lodge a complaint with the Election Commission.”
She told party workers that the BJP would try out underhand tactics to win and “loot” votes. “Do not to accept food or tea from unknown persons, as they will intoxicate or sedate you, and tamper with your votes when you fall asleep and flee”, she warned them.
“Police may ask you to go away when you keep vigil of the EVMs. Tell them politely to do their work and you keep doing yours. BJP will try to loot votes. If anyone offers you biryani, refuse it. Who knows, the food being offered may be poisoned.”
Trying to establish a direct connect with people, the CM said: “Amar upor abhiman kore BJP ke vote-ta deben na. (Do not vote for BJP even if you are angry with me). They may be different candidates, but you are voting for me. Every vote of yours will allow me to the form the government. I have come to you with an injured leg today to plead with you not to let BJP enter your homes. They will destroy all that we value....”