Mamata Banerjee Condemns Delimitation Bill as Threat to Bengal's Districts
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that key districts in her state will cease to exist if the delimitation bill proposed by the BJP-led central government is passed. Speaking at an election rally in Cooch Behar, Banerjee slammed the move as a deliberate attempt to divide the country.
Banerjee's Strong Opposition to the Bill
Banerjee emphasized that the Trinamool Congress will oppose all efforts to introduce the delimitation bill through a simple majority. She argued that the BJP is trying to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850 because they fear defeat in a contest based on the current seat count. The Chief Minister noted that she has sent 21 MPs to the Lok Sabha and accused the BJP of using the women's reservation bill as a false front.
"We will support the women's reservation bill when it is not coupled with the delimitation bill," Banerjee declared. She highlighted that West Bengal already boasts 37% women representation in Parliament, municipalities, and panchayats, questioning the necessity of linking the two bills.
Constitutional Hurdles and Political Fallout
Banerjee's words proved prophetic by evening when the bill to amend the women's reservation bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, saw 298 MPs voting in favor and 230 against, with TMC and other opposition parties voting against it.
"A Constitution amendment bill can't be passed without a two-thirds majority. They are doing all sorts of illegal things," Banerjee added, accusing the BJP of undermining democratic processes. She lashed out at the saffron party, claiming they are "demolishing and murdering our democracy" because they know they will lose in future elections.
Attacks on BJP and Assam CM Himanta Sarma
Banerjee also launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Sarma, who had addressed a rally in north Bengal earlier. She alleged that Sarma plans to bring people from Assam to cast votes in Cooch Behar with the help of central forces, calling it shameful given Assam's history of sending NRC notices to Cooch Behar residents.
Furthermore, Banerjee criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for claiming no development has occurred in north Bengal. She countered that her government has spent Rs 1.7 lakh crore in the region, funding projects like the Joyee Bridge, universities, colleges, and heritage towns through the North Bengal Development Department.
Allegations of Harassment and Outsider Influence
The Chief Minister accused the BJP of harassing her party more than the erstwhile CPM did, alleging that former CPM goons have now joined the BJP. She claimed that the BJP brings outsiders to fill their programs in states like Assam and Bihar, and is attempting the same in Bengal.
Banerjee insisted she has no personal greed for power but vowed to avenge the BJP's atrocities on the people of Bengal. She humbly requested all central agencies to work impartially, underscoring her commitment to democratic values and regional integrity.
