West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has cautioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) against becoming a "lollipop of the BJP,". Addressing a government program in East Burdwan district, Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) through the back door as the state assembly elections approach. She warned the ECI that the people of the nation would not forgive them if they acted as a tool of the BJP.

Banerjee's sharp criticism comes amid rising tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP, with the Chief Minister alleging an "economic blockade" against West Bengal by the central government,. She claimed that the BJP was stopping funds to at least five schemes. Banerjee also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that she did not expect him to disrespect the chair of the Chief Minister and the people of West Bengal by labeling them as thieves.

The Chief Minister's remarks also touched upon the sensitive issue of Bengali identity and the treatment of migrant workers. She asserted her commitment to protecting West Bengal from perceived attacks on its language and culture, particularly concerning the treatment of migrant Bengali workers who are often labelled as Bangladeshis. Banerjee reminded people of the contributions of Bengalis like Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the freedom struggle, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Bengal.

Banerjee's concerns also extend to the revision of electoral rolls. She voiced concerns regarding voter list revisions, insisting that genuine voters must not face harassment. She also questioned the ECI's training of Booth Level Officers in Delhi without informing the state. The TMC supremo has alleged that the BJP, with the ECI's support, is trying to enlist outsiders in Bengal's voter rolls while deleting genuine voters. She has urged the poll panel not to pressurize common people and to act impartially.

This is not the first time Mamata Banerjee has accused the ECI of bias. In the past, she has alleged that the ECI is acting as a "stooge of the BJP" and making a "backdoor attempt to implement the NRC" under the guise of a special revision of electoral rolls. She has also accused the ECI of being a "puppet" in the hands of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The BJP, on the other hand, has dismissed these allegations, stating that the TMC government is nearing its end and that the people of West Bengal have abandoned the TMC. BJP leaders have also accused the TMC government of corruption and looting central funds.

The political climate in West Bengal is heating up as the 2026 assembly elections approach. Mamata Banerjee's recent statements indicate a confrontational campaign ahead, with the TMC likely to focus on issues of Bengali identity, alleged discrimination by the Centre, and concerns about the impartiality of the Election Commission. The ECI is yet to respond to the specific allegations made by Mamata Banerjee.