Mamata Banerjee Accuses Central Forces of Vehicle Checks, Challenges ECI
Synopsis
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleges that central forces attempted to inspect her car while she was heading to the airport, questioning the impartiality of ongoing vehicle checks ahead of the assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
Mamata Banerjee alleges bias in vehicle checks by central forces.
She challenges the Election Commission for selective scrutiny.
Inspections reportedly target Trinamool Congress leaders and their families.
Claims of financial promise cards being distributed by central ministers.
Calls for action against election norm violations.
Kolkata, April 15 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused central forces of attempting to check her vehicle while she was en route to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport earlier today.
This accusation follows an alleged directive from the Election Commission to inspect the vehicles belonging to leaders of the Trinamool Congress and their family members.
While speaking at an election rally in Islampur, located in the North Dinajpur district, Banerjee stated, “Today, the central forces approached my car for inspection at Dum Dum Airport. I welcomed the search. If all cars belonging to Trinamool leaders are being scrutinized, shouldn’t vehicles belonging to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and CRPF also be checked? Why are only Trinamool cars being targeted?”
In a pointed critique of the Election Commission of India (ECI), she added: “If you have guts, inspect my vehicle daily while excluding others. Today, they rushed to search, but fled in fear. I was pleased they came to check my car because I am neither a thief nor a criminal... I don't receive a single paisa as government salary.”
On the previous day, the Trinamool Congress claimed that the ECI had issued explicit orders to all Flying Surveillance Teams (FSTs) assigned to the upcoming two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections to check the vehicles of all Trinamool leaders and their close relatives, with the notable exception of CM Mamata Banerjee. This includes inspections of vehicles belonging to Trinamool General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and his spouse Rujira Narula Banerjee.
“I am aware that central ministers are transporting cash. I know what is being brought in by the vehicles of central forces,” CM Banerjee alleged.
Additionally, she claimed that central ministers are distributing financial promise cards, which she argues violates election regulations.
“The Union Finance Minister is handing out cards during the elections! I urge the Election Commission to take stringent action against her,” she remarked. Banerjee called for action against all individuals distributing such cards during the electoral process, misleading the electorate.
As she put it: “Why are these cards being distributed now? Why weren’t they issued before the elections? Are you opening new accounts? Are you arriving with a treasure trove of money? You understand that after the elections, they will come with bulldozers to drive you out of the country.”
Point of View
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations against central forces and the Election Commission highlight significant concerns over electoral integrity. The scrutiny of Trinamool Congress leaders raises questions about equal treatment in the election process, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mamata Banerjee accuse central forces of?
Mamata Banerjee accused central forces of trying to check her vehicle while she was heading to the airport, raising concerns about selective scrutiny of Trinamool Congress leaders.
How did Banerjee respond to the vehicle checks?
Banerjee welcomed the checks and challenged the Election Commission to search her car daily while questioning why only Trinamool Congress vehicles were being targeted.
What are the implications of these allegations?
These allegations suggest potential bias in the election process and highlight the importance of ensuring fair treatment for all political parties during elections.
Who else is affected by the ECI's vehicle checks?
The vehicle checks also reportedly include Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and his wife, Rujira Narula Banerjee.
What did Banerjee say about financial promises during the elections?
Banerjee claimed that central ministers were distributing financial promise cards, which she argued violated election norms.
