Mamata targets Gyanesh at Delhi rally, issues stern warning

"Democracy has been snatched away through the theft of votes"—this explosive allegation was made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a rally held by the opposition 'INDIA' bloc at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. The Trinamool Congress leader also took a dig at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, dubbing him "Vanish Kumar," and demanded his resignation.

On Sunday, the opposition 'INDIA' bloc organized the rally at Ramlila Maidan as part of its "Save the Vote, Save the Nation" campaign. Leaders from various opposition parties—including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the Samajwadi Party—participated to protest against the central government regarding the "special intensive revision" of electoral rolls, electoral irregularities, and the conduct of the Election Commission.

Addressing the gathering, Mamata stated, "We have not lost; we have been made to lose. The BJP has looted votes and stolen the nation's democracy." She alleged that in West Bengal, the voting rights of millions are being stripped away under the guise of a "special intensive revision" of the electoral rolls, claiming that the names of over 10 million (one crore) people have been removed from the state's voter list.

Targeting the Chief Election Commissioner, Mamata remarked that not only the voting process but the counting process as well has been rendered effectively "invisible." Referring to Gyanesh Kumar as "Vanish Kumar," she alleged that the Election Commission and the BJP are working in tandem to weaken the country's democratic framework.

Criticizing the "special intensive revision" process, Mamata argued that its true intent is to provide political advantage to the BJP. She asserted that this process is not merely depriving people of their right to vote, but is also undermining the livelihoods, dignity, and constitutional rights of the people of Bengal.

Thanking the opposition leaders present at the rally—including Tejashwi Yadav, Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kalyan Banerjee, and Supriya Sule—she noted that representatives from various political parties have united on a single platform to fight for the protection of democracy. Addressing the younger generation, Mamata emphasized that the responsibility of safeguarding the nation's future lies with the youth, adding that she would guide them in this endeavor, much like a guardian. Praising the protests and movements led by Gen-Z, she called upon everyone—regardless of their political affiliation—to join the struggle. She also alleged that central agencies and sections of the police force are being used for political purposes. According to her, the time for the BJP’s departure is drawing near. At one point in her speech, the Trinamool leader quoted lines from a revolutionary poem by Ram Prasad Bismil, expressing her firm resolve to continue the fight.

Mamata also urged the judiciary to play an impartial role, stating that the judicial system must take an active stance to protect democracy and the voting rights of the people.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has dismissed the opposition's allegations regarding the revision of the electoral rolls, clarifying that the process is intended to remove the names of voters who are deceased, fictitious, or registered in multiple locations. The Commission further noted that there is a provision for re-registration in the event that a name is removed by mistake.