‘Stop Defaming Bengal’: Abhishek Banerjee Slams BJP Over Rohingya Claims, Issues Sharp Warning Ahead of Elections

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee launched a blistering attack on the BJP, accusing it of deliberately maligning West Bengal by branding the state as a hub of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators. Addressing party workers, Banerjee said such allegations are aimed at weakening Bengal politically and insulting its people.

Taking a direct swipe at senior election officials and the BJP’s narrative, Banerjee recounted a tense exchange with Gyanesh Kumar over alleged illegal voters. “These people defame Bengal by claiming it is full of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. When I asked Gyanesh Kumar how many Bangladeshis and Rohingyas were actually removed from the electoral rolls, he started pointing fingers at me,” Banerjee said.

He asserted the democratic mandate behind his position, remarking sharply, “Put your finger down – you are nominated and I am elected.” Banerjee accused the BJP of insensitivity, saying that while people are dying on the ground, authorities expect symbolic gestures instead of accountability. “Here, people are dying and Gyanesh is expecting that we would go to meet him with flowers,” he said, adding, “This is TMC.”

Escalating his attack, Banerjee framed the upcoming election as more than a political contest. “This time I went to Delhi, next time Mamata Banerjee will go. Then what will you do?” he asked, warning the BJP that the polls would be used to politically counter what he called ‘Bangla-Birodhi’ forces.