Mamata Banerjee: EC makes cops unleash terror

Claiming that a section of police officials have “unleashed terror” on people at the behest of the Election Commission, Trinamul Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday warned them of “consequences” if she is voted to power again.

“Those responsible will have to face the consequences. EC’s duty is to ensure free and fair poll, but they have unleashed terror with the help of a section of police officials,” Ms Banerjee alleged, addressing an election rally here in Midnapore district.

Referring to officers who were appointed to important posts like that of Kolkata police commissioner and district magistrates and SPs under instructions from the poll panel, the West Bengal chief minister said, “If someone thinks by getting power for 15 days, he will do anything, then he is mistaken.” Ms Banerjee had in 2014 reinstated some officers who had been removed by the EC during the Lok Sabha polls, after the poll process got over.

Claiming she had got the “confirmation” about securing a majority in the Assembly polls, five phases of which are over, Ms Banerjee said she had taken note of who had done what and also those who had worked “impartially”.

“Enough is enough. I am gentle to those who are good, but if anybody shows red eyes to me, then he will have to face the consequences,” she said.

In the fifth and penultimate phase of polling in 53constituencies spread over south Kolkata, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas districts on Saturday, police personnel were said to have proactively controlled law and order situation in coordination with the central paramilitary forces.