News West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee accuses CRPF of bias, says policemen turn BJP supporters during elections

April 8, 2021
The Commune

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at a rally in Cooch Behar on Wednesday (7 April), accused central forces of asking people to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Banerjee then asked her supporters, particularly women, to “gherao (surround) CRPF personnel if they try to foment trouble”.

For what is arguably the first time in the history of Indian elections, a politician has openly accused the central forces – who ensure that the elections are held in a free and fair manner without any violence – of being biased.

“One group should gherao them (CRPF personnel) and another group should go and vote if CRPF personnel foment trouble,” Banerjee said at a rally in Cooch Behar. “Do not waste your vote. Your vote will be wasted if all of you gherao them and that is exactly what BJP wants,” she said.

She then went on to say that during elections, policemen turn BJP supporters. However, Mamata also said, “I respect CRPF, but have no respect for BJP’s CRPF.”

“I want a peaceful vote. People should be allowed to cast their votes. The CRPF should not stop people from voting. Who has asked central forces to tell people: ‘Vote for BJP’? Who has asked them to do ‘Modi or Didi’? I respect real jawans but not this BJP CRPF who are assaulting women, harassing people,” she said

The BJP claimed Banerjee had tried to create a law-and-order problem by accusing the country’s security forces and lodged a complaint against her with the Election Commission (EC).

The Election Commission has sought a report from the district magistrate on the matter.

Mamata had urged her supporters to lodge FIRs against the men in uniform “if they tell you that you cannot vote” and told women, to be brave. “These central forces are going to villages to ensure that women do not vote. So, my mothers and sisters, if you are told not to vote, will you listen? A single vote is more important than guns and bombs,” she said.

Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani hit out at the West Bengal CM for bring aspersion and disrepute on the integrity of the Central Forces.

After three phases of elections, Mamata Banerjee is now also trying to rally the Muslim votes. She has asked Muslims to vote for her and not split the vote.

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