KOLKATA: Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in “state terrorism” and pledged to challenge its actions through the legal system, invoking the Constitution and the judiciary.
“I want to remind the judiciary that they are the true protectors of the law… I will continue to fight a legal battle against state terrorism. I will see which holds more power – the Constitution or the nozzle of a gun,” Banerjee stated while addressing party workers and supporters.
Her comments come amid sustained political turmoil following the demolition of alleged illegal structures near Howrah Railway Station earlier this month, an operation executed under heavy police presence with bulldozers and other machinery.
Banerjee also directed her criticism towards the central government, warning of political consequences for its actions. “When you fall from power in Delhi, you will face the consequences of your actions – we are waiting for that day,” she added.
Drawing a comparison between her government’s approach to rehabilitation and the current administration’s treatment of evictions, she cited the example of the Kalyani Express Setu. “When Kalyani Express Setu was built, 43 homes were affected on the road, and we built 43 homes exactly the same for their rehabilitation. Now, there is looting, vandalism, and attempts to erase all traces,” she remarked.
The demolition drive, which took place on May 16, sought to remove structures deemed unauthorized encroachments in the Howrah station area. This action has incited protests from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has accused the newly formed BJP government in the state of fostering a “bulldozer culture” and executing forceful evictions of hawkers and residents.
In response to the demolitions, TMC leaders previously staged a demonstration outside the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and announced plans for broader protests across Kolkata and surrounding areas against the eviction campaign.
