Shruti Suman
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has suggested that the Lok Sabha Election could potentially take place in either December of this year or January 2024, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre. Banerjee has expressed concern that the BJP has already reserved helicopters for their campaign in the upcoming polls, potentially limiting other parties’ ability to use them for canvassing. She has also warned that if the BJP were to return to power for a third consecutive term, the country could face an autocratic rule.
Banerjee stated, “I am concerned that the Lok Sabha elections might be held in either December 2023 or January. The return of the BJP to power could result in an autocratic rule for the nation.” She further added that the BJP has contributed to an atmosphere of animosity among different communities in the country and cautioned that a continued reign by them could exacerbate this division.
Members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) clarified that Banerjee’s reference to booked helicopters indicated a widespread reservation of these vehicles across the country. The scheduled general elections are currently due in 2024.
In response to Banerjee’s remarks about the upcoming elections, Sujan Chakraborty, a central committee member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], suggested that Banerjee’s insights might indicate the thinking within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization. Chakraborty also considered the possibility that Banerjee’s statements could be a tactic to mislead other political parties, noting that the actual course of events remains to be seen.
Banerjee has attributed the recent illegal firecracker factory explosions in the state to individuals involved in unlawful activities, with alleged support from certain members of the police force. She called for the adoption of “green” firecracker manufacturing practices to ensure safety and environmental sustainability.
The Chief Minister has additionally accused Governor C V Ananda Bose of violating constitutional norms and engaging in unconstitutional activities. She emphasized that while she respects the position he holds, she does not support his actions that she views as disregarding the constitution.
Banerjee, known for ending the three-decade-long rule of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in West Bengal, has voiced her determination to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Addressing recent incidents of slogan-raising at Jadavpur University by activists associated with ABVP and BJP, Banerjee asserted that such behavior is unacceptable in Bengal and called for maintaining decorum and preventing external interference on campuses.
