‘This is not a bulldozer state’: Mamata appears in Calcutta High Court, argues post-poll violence case against BJP
Mamata Banerjee had earlier appeared in the Supreme Court and made submissions on her petition challenging the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal.
Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee appeared in the Calcutta High Court on Thursday wearing a lawyer’s gown and argued a case regarding violence that erupted after the Assembly elections. She listed incidents of alleged violence, said they happened in front of the police, requested protection for people, and called for accountability.
During her submission, Mamata Banerjee said, “My regard to all the judges because this is my first time appearing in HC. As a lawyer, I’m fighting this case. Please see the images. Even the children are not spared. The women are not spared, the minorities are not spared. I am handing over a list of 10 persons who have been murdered.”
“One Scheduled Caste family including a 92-year-old widow was thrown out of the house. They ransacked so many houses. So many people are suffering, including general-caste Hindus. Out of 10 dead, six are Hindus. Please tell police to behave properly. They are not allowing FIRs to be lodged. In my family, 12-year-old girls are being threatened with rape. The matter is increasing every day. Even fish markets are being broken. We don’t have any problem with who wants to eat what. We want immediate protection for the people. In front of police, they are capturing and looting houses and offices. I have already given pictures.”
Banerjee also said, “My humble submission is to please protect the people of Bengal. This is not a bulldozer state. See the details of shops and houses vandalised in each constituency. Also, the details of the absconding party workers. What more you want? Is the police sleeping? Everything is being done in the presence of the police. Persons are entitled to be heard even if you are demolishing an unauthorised structure. Criminals are taking law into their hands. Police should prevent crime. After something has happened, they will not investigate? There is no police.”
Mamata Banerjee arrived accompanied by TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee and his son Shirshanya Bandopadhyay, who is also an advocate. TMC leader and lawyer Baiswanar Chatterjee was also with them.
She had earlier appeared in the Supreme Court and made submissions on her petition challenging the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state.
Earlier, the TMC posted on X, “Our Hon’ble Chairperson Smt @MamataOfficial personally reached the Calcutta High Court today to argue in a matter concerning the widespread post-poll violence unleashed across Bengal by @BJP4Bengal. Once again, she has shown what truly sets her apart…,” the post read.
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“She NEVER abandons the people of Bengal in their hour of need. She NEVER stops fighting for truth, justice, and constitutional values. And time and again, she rises above the politics of hatred with unmatched COMPASSION, COURAGE and CONVICTION. Whether confronting the injustice of SIR or standing firm against the unruly conduct of @BJP4India, she continues to prove that there is truly NO LEADER LIKE HER in the country today,” the post added.
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
