The atmosphere has become very heated before the elections in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has clearly said that her party cannot be intimidated by midnight raids and arrests. His statement came at a time when I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel was arrested by ED in Delhi. Mamata Banerjee said during a rally in Pingla, West Midnapore that if one worker is arrested, another will stand in his place. He said that Trinamool Congress will continue the fight and West Bengal cannot be controlled so easily. He accused the central government of threatening to put people in jail, but the party will not step back from this.

Mamta Banerjee also said that since the announcement of elections, ED and CBI are continuously taking action. Summons have been sent to many leaders and raids are being conducted at night. Mamata Banerjee alleges that a plan is being made to arrest booth agents just before the elections so that the opposition becomes weak on the day of voting.

I-PAC co-founder arrested

Party’s National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee also reacted strongly to the arrest of I-PAC’s co-founder. He said that such action a few days before the elections raises questions on fair elections. He alleged that those working with the opposition are being targeted, which is not good for democracy. Abhishek Banerjee also said that if those who have serious allegations change their parties, they are saved, while action is taken against the rest.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien also termed the ED’s action as interference in the elections. He said that all this is an attempt to influence the elections, but despite this BJP will have to face defeat.

Mamta Banerjee appealed during rallies

Mamta Banerjee appealed to women during the rallies that if someone is stopped from voting, they should stand firm. He made it clear that he is not in favor of violence, but people should stand up for their rights. He also raised the question as to why such a large number of central forces were sent at the time of elections, when the state police could also have worked to maintain peace. He asked people to complain if any officer harasses them. He said that the job of the central forces is to maintain peace, but if they stop people from voting then it is against democracy.

Also read: ‘BJP has started preparations for Punjab elections’, AAP leaders raised questions on ED raid on Ashok Mittal’s premises.