Is CM Mamata's 'outsider voters' comment a sign of fear over Bengal polls?
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Synopsis
In a heated political climate, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks about 'outsider voters' have sparked controversy. The BJP claims her statements reveal her fears of losing the upcoming elections. With the stakes higher than ever, this battle for Bhabanipur is one to watch closely.
Key Takeaways
- BJP claims Mamata's fears are evident.
- Banerjee accused of recruiting outsider voters.
- Suvendu Adhikari predicts her defeat.
- Upcoming elections are pivotal for West Bengal politics.
- Bhabanipur remains a crucial battleground.
Kolkata, Oct 18 (NationPress) In a recent statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations, asserting that her accusations about outsiders attempting to register as voters in her home Assembly constituency of Bhabanipur reflect her anxiety about an impending defeat in the upcoming Assembly elections next year.
On Friday, during the inauguration of a community Kali Puja pandal in Kolkata, the Chief Minister claimed, "A specific political party attempts to recruit outsiders before elections and get them registered as voters. Some reside in guest houses, while wealthier individuals buy flats. However, none are true residents of the area. How is it possible for someone to have their name on voter lists in two different locations?"
BJP's IT Cell Chief and the party's central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, ridiculed Chief Minister Banerjee's assertion regarding individuals purchasing flats in Bhabanipur solely to cast votes in her constituency.
"West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appears to have completely lost her grip. Her assertion that people are acquiring flats in Bhabanipur just to vote against her is absurd. The loss in Nandigram continues to haunt her. More significantly, it indicates that the people of Kolkata are so disillusioned with her that they would go to great lengths to see her ousted. The signs are clear – this does not bode well for her," Malviya commented.
Recently, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly and senior BJP figure, Suvendu Adhikari, has consistently claimed that Chief Minister Banerjee will face defeat in Bhabanipur during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
"I defeated her in Nandigram during the 2021 state Assembly elections. Next year, she will be defeated in Bhabanipur. She will even lose in her own ward," LoP Adhikari stated.
Chief Minister Banerjee contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from the Nandigram constituency in East Midnapore district and was defeated by LoP Adhikari.
Afterward, Mamata Banerjee ran in the by-elections for Bhabanipur and was elected as Chief Minister for the third consecutive term.
Interestingly, Bhabanipur is one of the seven Assembly constituencies within the Kolkata (Dakshin) Lok Sabha constituency.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while Trinamool Congress candidate Mala Roy was re-elected from Kolkata (Dakshin), she lagged in the majority of municipal corporation wards in both Bhabanipur and the adjacent Rashbehari constituency.
Chief Minister Banerjee visited Ward Number 73 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, where she is also a registered voter.
Point of View
I observe that the political landscape in West Bengal is increasingly polarized. Mamata Banerjee's accusations against outsiders reflect her underlying anxiety about the forthcoming elections. The BJP's counterarguments suggest a strategic approach to capitalize on potential discontent among voters. Ultimately, the outcome will reveal the electorate's true sentiments.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mamata Banerjee's allegations about outsider voters?
Mamata Banerjee claimed that a political party is bringing in outsiders to register as voters in her constituency, suggesting this is a tactic to defeat her in the upcoming elections.
What was BJP's response to Banerjee's comments?
The BJP, particularly Amit Malviya, ridiculed Banerjee's claims, suggesting that her fears of losing reflect a deeper disillusionment among voters in Kolkata.
How did Suvendu Adhikari respond to Mamata Banerjee?
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, asserted that he will defeat Banerjee in Bhabanipur, just as he defeated her in Nandigram during the last state elections.
What are the implications of the upcoming elections for Mamata Banerjee?
The upcoming elections are critical for Banerjee, as losing Bhabanipur could signal a significant shift in voter sentiment against her leadership.
What is the significance of Bhabanipur in the political landscape?
Bhabanipur is a key constituency for Mamata Banerjee, marking her political stronghold. Its electoral outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of her party's standing in West Bengal.
