Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading misinformation to defame the state’s image and mislead the public ahead of upcoming elections. Speaking at a Kali Puja inauguration in Kolkata’s Janbazar, Banerjee asserted that West Bengal remains one of India’s safest states, citing official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) that lists Kolkata as the safest metropolitan city in the country.
Her remarks come at a politically charged moment, with the opposition stepping up criticism of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over alleged administrative failures and sporadic law-and-order incidents. Banerjee’s speech, however, was an emphatic counter to the BJP’s narrative — portraying Bengal as a state where communal harmony and citizen safety continue to prevail.
Mamata’s Defence of Bengal’s Safety Record
In her address, Mamata Banerjee reminded citizens that Kolkata’s safety record is backed by hard data, not political rhetoric.
“There are some who only appear when elections are near. They spread lies, divide people, and try to damage Bengal’s reputation,” she said. “But Bengal remains one of the safest states in India, where people move freely and fearlessly.”
According to Banerjee, Kolkata’s low crime rate, as reflected in NCRB reports, is proof of the administration’s commitment to law and order. She said her government’s swift action in handling criminal incidents, such as recent assault cases, demonstrates the efficiency and responsiveness of the police system.
“If something happens, we take immediate action. Unlike other states, we don’t delay justice,” she added.
BJP’s “Lies and Propaganda”
The Chief Minister accused the BJP of running deliberate disinformation campaigns to divide communities and create panic among voters. She alleged that opposition leaders rely on “fake photos, doctored videos, and false narratives” to fuel hate and misrepresent Bengal’s governance.
“Some people click photos and post lies on social media. But the truth cannot be hidden for long. Bengal stands united — our festivals, our people, our hearts are together,” Banerjee said.
She further alleged that these campaigns are part of a larger political strategy aimed at creating an atmosphere of distrust in the run-up to elections. Banerjee described the BJP as a party that “visits Bengal during elections, spreads hatred, and disappears when people need help.”
Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP: Swift Justice and Law Enforcement
Highlighting examples of quick government response, Mamata Banerjee said that law enforcement agencies in Bengal act without bias or delay, unlike some other states where victims often struggle for justice.
She pointed out that in cases of assault, women’s safety, or campus violence, police intervention is immediate, and the administration ensures legal procedures move swiftly. Banerjee claimed that West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police maintain one of the highest case resolution rates in the country.
According to her, “Our focus is not just on law enforcement but also on community vigilance, women’s safety, and public participation in peacekeeping efforts.”
Unity in Diversity: A Cultural Counterpoint
Banerjee’s speech also touched on Bengal’s social harmony and inclusive culture, which she described as the foundation of peace and safety.
“Here, we celebrate Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Chhath, Christmas, Eid, and Ganga Sagar with equal joy. Bengal stands for peace, not division,” she said.
Drawing from Swami Vivekananda’s ideals of unity, she remarked that religion should mean humanity, not hatred. Her emphasis on cultural pluralism served as a direct rebuttal to attempts to polarize Bengal’s electorate along religious lines.
Criticism of Opposition’s Legal Tactics
Mamata Banerjee also criticised what she described as opposition-backed legal obstruction of recruitment and development initiatives. She alleged that some political groups are “misusing the courts” to cancel jobs given to qualified youth under state recruitment drives.
“They cannot stand to see Bengal’s youth getting jobs. They go to court to snatch livelihoods. But we will continue to work for our people,” she declared.
The Chief Minister insisted that her government’s welfare and employment schemes are transparent and people-driven, and said attempts to stall them are “politically motivated acts against Bengal’s progress.”
Comparisons with BJP-Ruled States
Banerjee questioned the BJP’s moral authority to speak on law and order.
“They call Bengal unsafe, but what about their own states?” she asked. “What about Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, or Assam — are those states safer than Bengal?”
The Chief Minister accused the BJP of maintaining double standards — using Bengal’s isolated incidents for political mileage while ignoring systemic violence and gender crimes elsewhere. Her remarks sought to turn the BJP’s national safety narrative back against it.
Safety Perception vs Political Reality
While NCRB data supports Mamata Banerjee’s claim that Kolkata leads as India’s safest metropolitan city, political analysts note that public perception often diverges from statistical evidence. High-profile crimes, especially those involving women or students, tend to dominate news cycles and shape emotional responses.
Experts argue that Banerjee’s emphasis on data-driven governance is an attempt to rebuild confidence in her administration following sporadic controversies. Political observers say her strategy is to shift focus from isolated incidents to broader structural achievements in policing, women’s empowerment, and welfare programs.
Focus on Administrative Reforms
Under Banerjee’s leadership, the West Bengal government has introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening local policing and public trust. Some of these include:
- Nirbhaya Women Helpline and Safe Drive Save Life campaigns.
- Community policing programs in urban and rural districts.
- Quick response units for emergency law enforcement coordination.
- Dedicated women’s desks in every police station across the state.
These measures, Banerjee argued, have made Bengal a model of preventive policing and citizen-friendly administration.
Media Responsibility and Misinformation
The Chief Minister also called out sections of the media for amplifying “fake and sensational narratives” without verifying facts. She urged journalists to report responsibly and avoid falling into the “trap of propaganda.”
“Misinformation spreads faster than truth in today’s world. But the truth will always win,” she asserted.
She urged citizens to rely on official data and government transparency initiatives such as the Bengal Police online grievance redressal system and public dashboards on crime trends.
Public Response and Political Context
Mamata Banerjee’s remarks received mixed reactions. Trinamool Congress supporters lauded her for standing up to misinformation and for defending Bengal’s safety reputation. BJP leaders, however, dismissed her speech as an attempt to divert attention from administrative lapses and rising crimes in smaller districts.
Political experts say Banerjee’s messaging forms part of a larger electoral narrative: to reaffirm Bengal’s identity as a peaceful, culturally inclusive, and safe state — in contrast to the BJP’s polarizing rhetoric.
Reinforcing Bengal’s Image Ahead of Elections
Banerjee’s strong messaging also fits within the TMC’s broader pre-election communication strategy. By repeatedly invoking Bengal’s safety and unity, she seeks to consolidate her image as a leader of stability and peace.
Her government’s focus on community festivals, inclusive governance, and welfare schemes forms a counterpoint to the BJP’s law-and-order critique. The strategy aligns with the TMC’s positioning of itself as both a protector of Bengal’s cultural identity and a champion of secular governance.
Conclusion: Mamata Banerjee’s Strategic Counter-Narrative
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s declaration that Bengal is one of India’s safest states is more than a rebuttal — it is a carefully designed political message aimed at reclaiming control over public perception.
By framing safety as both a governance achievement and a symbol of Bengal’s social harmony, Banerjee is reinforcing her government’s image of accountability and inclusiveness. Her message is clear: Bengal’s peace cannot be disrupted by political lies or propaganda.
As the state approaches its next electoral test, the battle over Bengal’s image — safe, progressive, and united — will remain a central theme in the political discourse.
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