As political temperatures soar in West Bengal with just days left for the Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asking her to “prepare to step down” as he predicted a clear victory for the BJP in the state.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV during the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal, Shah also took a swipe at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, saying it was “not appropriate” for her to continue extensive campaigning at her age.
Stepping up his criticism, Shah accused the Trinamool government of failing to ensure women’s safety and allowing unchecked infiltration from across the border, which are two key issues in the BJP’s campaign.
“A woman Chief Minister has been ruling the state for fifteen years, yet numerous incidents, from Sandeshkhali to other cases, have raised serious questions about women’s safety. The Chief Minister herself says women should not go out at night. I believe this government has completely failed to ensure their safety,” Shah told India Today from Kharagpur Sadar.
He promised that a BJP government would establish a system where “girls can ride alone on scooters even at midnight” without fear.
On the issue of cross-border infiltration, a central plank of the BJP’s campaign, Shah blamed the state government for not cooperating with the Centre on border fencing.
“The route for infiltration remains open because Mamata Banerjee is not providing land to build border fences. The BJP has decided that our new Chief Minister will ensure land is given to the Union Home Ministry within 45 days,” he said.
“Once the fencing is completed and riverine patrolling is strengthened, infiltration will be brought under control to a large extent,” he added.
When asked about his message to Mamata Banerjee, Shah responded bluntly, “Now get ready to go,” adding that “at this age, there is no need to spend too much time on campaigning”.
Earlier in the day, addressing a public rally in Debra, Shah accused the TMC government of institutionalising corruption through a “cut-money” culture. He alleged that Banerjee was more focused on promoting her nephew than addressing key issues such as unemployment, corruption, floods and infiltration.
He also promised to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if the BJP comes to power. “The law should be equal for everyone. No one in Bengal will be allowed to have four marriages,” Shah said.
Shah also unveiled the BJP’s manifesto for the state, outlining plans for industrial revival, agricultural growth and port-led development.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Elections 2026 | West Bengal Election | West Bengal Election Constituencies | West Bengal Election Schedule
