Addressing a massive rally in West Medinipur’s Salboni, Union Home Minister Amit Shah intensified his campaign against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Shah alleged that the TMC supremo actively worked to “defeat” the women’s reservation bill introduced by PM Narendra Modi. He dismissed the “outsider” tag often used by the TMC, claiming that Mamata Banerjee’s only priority is to secure the Chief Ministerial post for her nephew.

Local leadership and women’s safety The Home Minister assured the public that if the BJP is voted to power, the state’s leadership will be handed to a local “son of the soil” who is a dedicated party worker. Highlighting concerns over law and order, Shah criticized the state government for failing to protect women. He promised a paradigm shift in security, stating that under a BJP administration, women would be able to travel safely even at midnight without fear of goons.

Fight against infiltration Defining the 2026 assembly elections as a battle for Bengal’s identity, Shah stated that the primary objective is to liberate the state from illegal infiltration. He also raised issues of communal politics, asserting that the BJP would prevent any attempts to promote divisive projects in the state. As the two-phase polling on April 23 and 29 approaches, these remarks have set the stage for a high-stakes political showdown leading up to the May 4 results.

At a glance

• Amit Shah accuses Mamata Banerjee of opposing the 33% women’s reservation bill.
• Promises that the next Chief Minister will be a local BJP worker and not “Bhaipo.”
• Vows to ensure absolute safety for women and eliminate illegal infiltration in Bengal.
• Elections to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29 with counting on May 4.