KOLKATA - West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced strong criticism against the National Investigation Agency (NIA), alleging that the federal agency is targeting "innocent local people" in Malda district following a recent incident involving the 'gherao' (encirclement) of judicial officers in Mothabari. Banerjee claimed that the "real culprits" behind the violence have managed to evade capture, while the NIA's actions amount to harassment of ordinary citizens.
The Chief Minister asserted that while investigators are pursuing locals under the guise of the NIA, the individuals responsible for the unrest and the confinement of judicial officers have escaped accountability. She made these statements during an election rally at Manikchak in Malda. Banerjee further directed her party leaders to focus on assisting individuals whose names have been erroneously removed from the electoral rolls, rather than engaging in political campaigning.
Read More: Karoline Leavitt White House Press Secretary Job Unsteady After Criticism
Voter Roll Concerns Take Center Stage
Banerjee expressed disbelief at the number of attendees at her rally who indicated that their names were deleted from the voter lists. She urged the public not to approach judicial officers dealing with cases under adjudication, but instead to submit applications before tribunals for the "re-inclusion of names of those erroneously removed." This redirection suggests a significant concern over the integrity of the voter rolls and the accessibility of rectification processes.
Broader Political Landscape
The remarks come amidst the ongoing West Bengal Assembly polls, a period often marked by heightened political rhetoric and accusations between parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has previously alleged "lawlessness" in West Bengal in connection with the Malda incident, calling for Banerjee's resignation.
The political climate is further complicated by surveys predicting a close contest between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP. Some polls suggest the TMC may secure a lead in seats and vote percentage, while others indicate a tighter race. Meanwhile, reports also highlight issues of candidates' wealth and declared criminal cases within the political arena, adding layers of complexity to the electoral narrative.
Read More: AIMIM to contest all 294 seats in West Bengal 2026 elections
Background of Malda Incident
While details of the specific 'gherao' incident in Malda's Mothabari are not fully elaborated in the provided text, it involved the encirclement of judicial officers. The subsequent involvement of the NIA signifies the seriousness with which the incident is being treated by central agencies, a point that Banerjee appears to be contesting through her public statements. The reference to "post-SIR" and "tribunals" in relation to voter roll issues points to administrative and legal frameworks being navigated by the public.
