Mamata Banerjee's Fiery Confrontation with Delhi Police Over SIR Victims
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a scathing rebuke to Delhi Police personnel on Monday morning as she arrived at Banga Bhawan in Chanakyapuri. The state guest house, one of two maintained by West Bengal in the national capital, had been heavily barricaded by police forces, prompting a dramatic confrontation.
"You Wouldn't Be Able to Handle It": Banerjee's Warning to Police
Addressing the police officers directly, Banerjee declared, "Brother, what are you doing here? I am not here for an agitation. If I did, you wouldn't be able to handle it." The Chief Minister was in Delhi to meet with the Chief Election Commissioner alongside families affected by the State Investigation Report (SIR) incidents from Bengal.
Banerjee accused Delhi Police of "searching and threatening" the affected families who had been accommodated at West Bengal's guest houses on Hailey Road and in Chanakyapuri. Following her forceful intervention, police personnel withdrew from both locations shortly afterward.
Contrasting Treatment and Political Accusations
The Bengal CM drew sharp comparisons between her reception in Delhi and that afforded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in West Bengal. "Amit Shah gets a red carpet in Bengal, but when I come here, I get black carpet. If no one else fights, I will," she told assembled reporters.
Banerjee further criticized what she described as Delhi transforming into "a zamindari" where there was allegedly no place for the poor and marginalized citizens. Her comments highlighted the deepening political tensions between her Trinamool Congress party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party at the center.
Parliamentary Echoes and Security Escalation
Banerjee's allegations of "overreaction" by Delhi Police resonated through Parliament as well. Trinamool Congress MPs stormed the well of the Lok Sabha, raising slogans against the Union government. They were joined in protest by members of the Samajwadi Party, while in the Rajya Sabha, TMC MP Sagarika Ghose raised the issue for discussion.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities decided to dispatch a 25-member Bengal Police team to the capital to provide security for approximately 100 SIR victims. The specialized team, led by a deputy superintendent of police and an inspector and including a Rapid Action Force unit, was scheduled to take a 1:40 AM flight to Delhi.
Detailed Allegations and Police Response
Earlier on Monday morning, as news spread about police barricades near the two guest houses, TMC MPs rushed to the locations. They were soon joined by Chief Minister Banerjee and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The Bengal CM provided disturbing details: "As many as 150 people have died during the Bengal SIR incidents... some of their relatives are here. Why can't they speak with the media? Wherever these people have been put up, they (Union government) have sent cops."
Banerjee then questioned Delhi Police's effectiveness: "When there are explosions in Delhi, what does Delhi Police do?" She clarified that she didn't blame the police personnel themselves but rather "the one who is on top" whom she accused of "Himalayan incompetence" in providing national security.
Direct Address and Symbolic Protest
Speaking directly to the police officers, Banerjee acknowledged: "Those who work with Delhi Police also have families. They are here on orders. When I come, they (BJP) get scared."
To media representatives, she pointed out: "Look! Busloads of cops have come. People are being tortured, harassed. Police are searching the rooms. Why will they (SIR-affected families) not come? Are they not Indian citizens?"
When a police officer attempted to explain "We are here for security," Banerjee interrupted sharply: "What security are you speaking of? You are coming to Banga Bhawan, which belongs to us, to threaten our people."
The Chief Minister emphasized the restrained nature of her protest: "I could have brought lakhs of people with me. This is only a symbolic protest, with only 50 here whose kin are alive but have been shown dead in SIR and 50 more who have lost family members because of SIR. Even all of them won't go to the EC headquarters. Is it fair to hunt them down?"
Official Denials and Counterclaims
Delhi Police officials denied entering Banga Bhawan or imposing any restrictions on movement. Police sources claimed they had received intelligence that "150-200 supporters of a political party" were staying in the guest houses and that senior political leaders would be visiting them.
According to police statements, "Accordingly, adequate deployment was made" as a standard security precaution. This explanation contrasted sharply with Banerjee's characterization of the police presence as intimidation and harassment targeting vulnerable families seeking justice.
The incident has further strained relations between the West Bengal government and central authorities, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the SIR investigations and treatment of affected families in the national capital.
