BJP to fall short of 200-seat mark, INDIA Bloc to get over 300 seats: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Will not allow CAA and NRC to be implemented in Bengal, reiterates CM Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a public meeting for Lok Sabha elections, in Bongaon, Monday, May 13, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed the BJP will not cross the 200-seat mark in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing an election rally at the Matua-dominated Bangaon constituency in the North 24 Parganas district, Banerjee said, “Modi babu jayega. (Mr Modi will go.) Those who are shouting ‘iss bar charso paar’ (will cross 400 this time), let me tell them that the BJP will not even cross the 200-seat mark. They have now realised this truth and are scared.”

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo then said the INDIA Bloc would get 300-315 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

Thereafter, referring to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Banerjee said, “If Modi has so much love for the Matuas, why is he not giving them unconditional rights? They won’t do it. You should do one thing. Tell the BJP candidate here to apply, and fill up the CAA form. They will not. It is a conspiracy… Modi will have to walk over my dead body (to implement CAA and NRC here).

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“I will not allow NRC… Names of 19 lakh Hindu Bengalis have been removed from the NRC list in Assam… If they ask me for my parents’ certificate, where will I get the certificate from when I don’t even know their birthdays? If they ask you to bring a 50-year-old certificate, then you should first ask BJP candidates to apply (for CAA).”

Further, referring to a viral video wherein a BJP leader can be heard purportedly alleging that the protests by women in Sandeshkhali were staged at the behest of Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, Banerjee said, “Don’t play with the self-respect of women, don’t hatch conspiracy by playing with the dignity of our mothers and sisters.”

Several women in North 24 Parganas’ Sandeshkhali have claimed that they were sexually assaulted by former TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his men. There have also been complaints of land grabbing against a section of TMC leaders.

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The Bongaon seat will go to the polls on May 20. Whereas voting for the Basirhat seat – Sandeshkhali falls under it – will be held on June 1.

Atri Mitra

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

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Lok Sabha Elections 2024