In an escalation of political tensions ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she would file a “legal case” against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his “violent remarks”.
Addressing a crowd in Hooghly, Banerjee said: “We will file a legal case against Amit Shah for his violent remarks. As home minister, he cannot make such comments.” Follow live updates about the election here.
This comes after Banerjee took aim at Shah’s “hang upside down” warning to TMC workers after the elections on Friday, asserting that the BJP’s “strong approach” will not resonate with Bengali voters.
“What kind of language is the Home Minister using? To say that you will hang people upside down after the elections is unacceptable. With this mentality, you will never win Bengal – ever!” she said.
Shah on Friday warned of strict action against the alleged “goons” of the TMC party.
Addressing a gathering in Arambagh, Shah issued a stern warning, declaring that if disturbance occurred to the people of Arambagh on May 29, the authorities would take decisive action after May 5. Shah.
Polling for the first phase of the Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a much higher voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India.
The high turnout figures confirm an active electoral practice as the polling date approaches its end, amid tight security arrangements in all electoral districts. Voting for the second stage is scheduled to take place on April 29, with the votes being counted on May 4.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday congratulated voters on record turnout in the first phase of West Bengal Assembly elections and lauded the Election Commission of India (ECI) and security forces for ensuring a peaceful polling process.
