‘Bengal first, Delhi next’: Mamata’s warning to BJP ahead of phase 2 polls

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said she didn't want rule at the Centre, but wished to see the BJP removed from power.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee upped the ante ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal elections. Banerjee hinted that after the elections are over she will be targeting Delhi. “After winning Bengal, I shall take over Delhi…” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The Bengal CM, while addressing a rally in Kolkata on Friday, said, “The names of all those who are working for BJP are listed… You’ve brought in people based on their BJP background and appointed officers accordingly… Remember, you don’t have the capacity to defeat us… We fight against injustice, we fight for our rights… I was born in Bengal and will die in Bengal,” she said.

She further said: “Not only will there be destruction in Bengal, but the BJP will also have to be removed from Delhi…”

Banerjee alleged that Modi’s much-publicised stop to eat jhal muri in Jhargram was carefully orchestrated. Questioning the authenticity of the visit, Banerjee pointed to the arrangements at the shop, including the installation of cameras. “TV cameras and CCTV were put in place in advance with security. The jhal muri was prepared beforehand at home for safety reasons, and the shopkeeper was given Rs 10. I don’t even carry cash,” she said.

Taking a swipe at the BJP’s campaign messaging, she added, “They said they will eat jhal muri if they win, but I say I’ll serve you bhelpuri from Delhi. First it was the ‘chai-wala’ image, and now it’s jhal muri to win votes.”

Banerjee also pushed back against attempts to politicise food and identity. “We are used to spicy jhal muri, but have you tasted fish or chicken curry? I eat dhokla, dosa, litti, thekua, sattu. I have vermicelli during Eid and halwa too. Don’t lecture me on religion,” she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Referring to the ongoing Assembly elections, with the first phase held on April 23 and the second round approaching, the chief minister questioned the BJP’s confidence. “Have they already fixed the EVMs? Otherwise, how are they so sure of the outcome?” she asked, adding that the election was about protecting the rights of Bengal’s people.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of the next phase of polling, claiming his jhal muri stop had rattled the party.

Addressing a rally in Krishnanagar, he accused the TMC of encouraging “infiltrators” and fostering “maha jungle raj.” He also reiterated assurances to the Matua and Namashudra communities, promising to speed up the process of granting citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Urging voters to back the BJP-NDA, he said celebrations would follow the results. “On May 4, there will be victory celebrations in Bengal, sweets will be distributed, and jhal muri too. I ate jhal muri, but its spice has hit the TMC,” he remarked.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee upped the ante ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal elections. Banerjee hinted that after the elections are over she will be targeting Delhi. “After winning Bengal, I shall take over Delhi…” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The Bengal CM, while addressing a rally in Kolkata on Friday, said, “The names of all those who are working for BJP are listed… You’ve brought in people based on their BJP background and appointed officers accordingly… Remember, you don’t have the capacity to defeat us… We fight against injustice, we fight for our rights… I was born in Bengal and will die in Bengal,” she said.

She further said: “Not only will there be destruction in Bengal, but the BJP will also have to be removed from Delhi…”

Banerjee alleged that Modi’s much-publicised stop to eat jhal muri in Jhargram was carefully orchestrated. Questioning the authenticity of the visit, Banerjee pointed to the arrangements at the shop, including the installation of cameras. “TV cameras and CCTV were put in place in advance with security. The jhal muri was prepared beforehand at home for safety reasons, and the shopkeeper was given Rs 10. I don’t even carry cash,” she said.

Taking a swipe at the BJP’s campaign messaging, she added, “They said they will eat jhal muri if they win, but I say I’ll serve you bhelpuri from Delhi. First it was the ‘chai-wala’ image, and now it’s jhal muri to win votes.”

Banerjee also pushed back against attempts to politicise food and identity. “We are used to spicy jhal muri, but have you tasted fish or chicken curry? I eat dhokla, dosa, litti, thekua, sattu. I have vermicelli during Eid and halwa too. Don’t lecture me on religion,” she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Referring to the ongoing Assembly elections, with the first phase held on April 23 and the second round approaching, the chief minister questioned the BJP’s confidence. “Have they already fixed the EVMs? Otherwise, how are they so sure of the outcome?” she asked, adding that the election was about protecting the rights of Bengal’s people.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of the next phase of polling, claiming his jhal muri stop had rattled the party.

Addressing a rally in Krishnanagar, he accused the TMC of encouraging “infiltrators” and fostering “maha jungle raj.” He also reiterated assurances to the Matua and Namashudra communities, promising to speed up the process of granting citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Urging voters to back the BJP-NDA, he said celebrations would follow the results. “On May 4, there will be victory celebrations in Bengal, sweets will be distributed, and jhal muri too. I ate jhal muri, but its spice has hit the TMC,” he remarked.