“Deploy INS warships & Rafales too”: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday sarcastically called for the deployment of Indian Navy warships and IAF Rafale jets in the state, alleging that central forces were intimidating voters.
Speaking to reporters amid polling, Banerjee accused personnel from the CAPF of obstructing voters and preventing many from casting their ballots. In a pointed remark, he said that if such a heavy presence of central forces was considered necessary, then “INS warships and Rafales should also be sent to Bengal,” drawing a comparison to wartime deployments.
Banerjee alleged that more than 30 lakh voters were being deliberately stopped from voting and accused the Centre of using intimidation tactics. Despite these claims, he expressed confidence that his party would secure a decisive victory when results are announced on May 4.
The opposition BJP rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and exaggerated. BJP leaders countered that the ruling party was attempting to divert attention from issues such as local violence and alleged irregularities, and maintained that CAPF deployment was aimed solely at ensuring free and fair elections.
