West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP during a poll rally in Kolkata, accusing the party of influencing the state’s administrative machinery and vowing to politically counter it beyond Bengal.”The names of all those who are working for BJP are listed… You’ve brought in people based on their BJP background and appointed officers accordingly… Remember, you don’t have the capacity to defeat us… We fight against injustice, we fight for our rights,” Mamata said while addressing a poll rally in Kolkata.”I was born in Bengal and will die in Bengal… After winning Bengal, I will take over Delhi… I don’t want power, I want the BJP’s destruction in Delhi… Not only will there be destruction in Bengal, but the BJP will also have to be removed from Delhi,” she added.This comes amid an intense campaign battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), the BJP and the Congress in the ongoing assembly elections.The high-stakes contest has seen both sides trade sharp barbs, with Mamata repeatedly accusing the BJP of attempting to influence the electoral process, while the BJP has targeted the TMC government over alleged misgovernance and corruption.The elections have also witnessed record voter participation. West Bengal recorded one of its highest-ever turnouts, with polling figures crossing around 92%, the highest since the Left Front’s exit from power in 2011.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders have interpreted the strong turnout as a sign of public desire for change, with the PM calling it an “overwhelming mandate for change” and expressing confidence that the results will favour the BJP.Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Urges Citizens Not To Travel To Iran, Asks Nationals To Leave Amid Ongoing Tensions‘Kabhi India Aake Dekho’: Iran Mocks Donald Trump With Maharashtra Video After ‘Hellhole’ Row‘Uninformed, Inappropriate’: India Responds To Trump’s ‘Hell-hole’ Comment‘In Touch With Iran’: MEA Confirms Indian Crew Safe After Hormuz FiringViolent Clashes Mar Bengal Phase 1 Voting As Tamil Stars Contribute To 82% TurnoutFrance Waives Airport Transit Visa For Indian Nationals, Boosts Travel EaseTop Military Leadership Of India And US Engage To Discuss Common Concerns In The Indo-pacificEx-Domestic Worker Arrested in Delhi IIT Graduate Murder; Linked to Alwar CaseTrump Sparks Outrage After Reposting ‘Hellholes’ Remark on India, China Amid Citizenship DebateUS Congressman Urges Pakistan To Act Against LeT, JeM; Renews Focus On Cross-Border Terror123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Mysore Masala Dosa for breakfast at home5 relationship lessons to learn from Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy5 animals that can switch gender, and the science behind itCan air conditioning make us sick? Doctor warns sudden cooling, dry air and dirty ACs may be making you sick: Here’s how it affects your body10 beautiful baby girl names that mean grace and eleganceTop 5 footballers influencing men’s fashion right now7 air-purifying plants for terrace gardensAre you using the right spoon? Here’s what each type of spoon is actually designed forGarad to Tangail: 5 underrated textiles from West Bengal you need to knowRoyal birthdays in May 2026: List of upcoming birthdays of Royals across the world123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026UP Board Class 10 result 2026Bengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingWest Bengal electionTamil Nadu electionDianna RussiniNFL TradeTaylor SwiftMike VrabelUPMSP 12th ResultAnna KournikovasDNA TestIPL Orange Cap
NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP during a poll rally in Kolkata, accusing the party of influencing the state’s administrative machinery and vowing to politically counter it beyond Bengal.“The names of all those who are working for BJP are listed… You’ve brought in people based on their BJP background and appointed officers accordingly… Remember, you don’t have the capacity to defeat us… We fight against injustice, we fight for our rights,” Mamata said while addressing a poll rally in Kolkata.“I was born in Bengal and will die in Bengal… After winning Bengal, I will take over Delhi… I don’t want power, I want the BJP’s destruction in Delhi… Not only will there be destruction in Bengal, but the BJP will also have to be removed from Delhi,” she added.This comes amid an intense campaign battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), the BJP and the Congress in the ongoing assembly elections.The high-stakes contest has seen both sides trade sharp barbs, with Mamata repeatedly accusing the BJP of attempting to influence the electoral process, while the BJP has targeted the TMC government over alleged misgovernance and corruption.The elections have also witnessed record voter participation. West Bengal recorded one of its highest-ever turnouts, with polling figures crossing around 92%, the highest since the Left Front’s exit from power in 2011.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders have interpreted the strong turnout as a sign of public desire for change, with the PM calling it an “overwhelming mandate for change” and expressing confidence that the results will favour the BJP.Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.