Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Oct 15: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised alarm over a planned influx of outsiders in her Bhowanipore constituency, claiming local voters are being displaced ahead of next year’s assembly elections.

Speaking at the Bijoya Sammilani program on Tuesday, Banerjee said, “Settlements of poor people are being demolished and big houses built. Those who live and work in Bengal are our people. But outsiders buying land and displacing locals are the real outsiders.”

She urged vigilance during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stressing the crucial role of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in safeguarding voter rights. “If a new voter list is prepared, everyone will have to start afresh,” she added.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim backed the Chief Minister, assuring party workers, “We will ensure Mamata Banerjee’s win from Bhowanipore with a 1-lakh margin.”

The BJP hit back at Banerjee’s comments. Leader Rahul Sinha said, “Trinamool Congress is under fear and in doubt about the Chief Minister’s victory from Bhowanipore.”