Is the BJP Attempting to Register Outsiders as Voters in Bhabanipur?
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to register non-local voters in Bhabanipur. This accusation raises significant concerns about electoral integrity and local representation. Stay informed as we delve into the implications of her claims and the ongoing political dynamics in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee raises concerns about electoral integrity.
- Accusations point towards the BJP's alleged tactics.
- Bhabanipur remains a focal point in West Bengal's political arena.
- Importance of verifying claims in political discourse.
- The political landscape is charged ahead of upcoming elections.
Kolkata, Oct 17 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has, on Friday, indirectly suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to register non-local individuals as voters in her home Assembly constituency of Bhabanipur in Kolkata.
The Chief Minister initially raised concerns about the presence of non-residents as voters in Bhabanipur earlier this week during her visit to north Bengal, where she was assessing the aftermath of recent floods and landslides affecting the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions.
After inaugurating a community Kali Puja pandal in Kolkata on Friday afternoon, Banerjee clarified her earlier comments regarding “outsiders in Bhabanipur.”
She explained, “By outsiders, I did not refer to the local population. I was alluding to a specific political party that attempts to bring in outsiders ahead of elections and enroll them as voters.”
Although she refrained from naming the party, her remarks were clearly directed towards the BJP, frequently labeled as an “outsider party” in West Bengal by the Trinamool Congress leadership.
Banerjee also noted that numerous outsiders arrive in the city before elections.
“Some opt to stay in guest houses and hotels, while wealthier individuals purchase flats. Yet, none of them genuinely belong to that area. How can one person be listed as a voter in two different locations?” she questioned.
She further pointed out that in many instances, slums are demolished to make way for high-rise buildings where outsiders are buying apartments.
Interestingly, Bhabanipur is one of the seven Assembly constituencies under the Kolkata (Dakshin) Lok Sabha constituency.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while the Trinamool Congress candidate Mala Roy was re-elected from Kolkata (Dakshin), she faced challenges in securing a majority in several municipal wards in both Bhabanipur and the neighboring Rashbehari constituency.
Banerjee even visited Ward Number 73 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, where she herself is a voter.
Recently, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly and senior BJP leader, Suvendu Adhikari, has consistently claimed that Mamata Banerjee will be defeated in Bhabanipur during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
“I bested her in Nandigram in 2021. Next year, she will lose in Bhabanipur. She may even be defeated in her own ward,” Adhikari asserted.
Point of View
It is crucial to present a balanced perspective on Mamata Banerjee's allegations against the BJP. While such claims can raise valid concerns about electoral integrity, it is essential to substantiate them with concrete evidence. Political accusations are common in Indian elections, and discerning fact from rhetoric is vital for the electorate.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mamata Banerjee accuse the BJP of?
Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of trying to register outsiders as voters in her constituency of Bhabanipur.
How did Banerjee clarify her remarks about outsiders?
Banerjee clarified that by 'outsiders', she meant a specific political party attempting to enroll non-residents before elections, not the local population.
What is the significance of Bhabanipur in West Bengal politics?
Bhabanipur is a key Assembly constituency in Kolkata and plays a significant role in the electoral landscape of West Bengal.
Who is Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari is the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and a senior leader of the BJP.
What does the term 'outsider party' refer to?
The term 'outsider party' is often used by Trinamool Congress to describe the BJP, suggesting they do not represent local interests.
