West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday distanced herself from the Malda incident that recently faced strong observations from the Supreme Court, claiming that control over law and order was no longer directly under the state government after the announcement of Assembly elections.
Speaking at a public rally in Murshidabad, Banerjee said key administrative responsibilities had shifted to the Election Commission, which she accused of failing to ensure adequate security for officials on duty.
“The Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police are no longer in contact with me. Since administrative powers have been taken away, maintaining law and order is now the responsibility of the Election Commission,” she stated.
Her remarks came a day after the Supreme Court criticised the state administration over the alleged gherao of judicial officers in Malda, describing the episode as “preplanned” and questioning the response of senior officials.
Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission had failed to provide proper protection to judicial officers engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. According to her, once elections were announced, the poll body deployed its own officials in crucial administrative and policing roles, effectively assuming operational control.
“I have never seen such an Election Commission before. All my powers have been taken away,” she said.
The Chief Minister also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to create conditions that could lead to the cancellation of elections and the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.
She further claimed that senior officials did not brief her about the Malda incident and that she learned about the developments through media reports.
“The Chief Secretary did not inform me. I came to know through journalists. This has caused embarrassment to the state,” Banerjee added.
The issue has intensified political tensions in West Bengal as the state moves closer to Assembly elections, with questions being raised over administrative control and election management.
