Naqvi Targets Mamata Banerjee Ahead of Bengal Polls, Accuses Her of Shielding Crime and Anarchy

New Delhi | January 16, 2026 Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she has been protecting criminals and anarchists and is now nearing the end of her political journey. His remarks come at a time when the state is gearing up for Assembly elections amid heightened political tension. Naqvi’s comments followed a controversy involving the Enforcement Directorate, which claimed that its officials faced obstruction during raids linked to a coal smuggling case in West Bengal. The federal agency has alleged that the Chief Minister herself entered the premises of a political consultancy firm and removed key evidence related to the investigation. Reacting strongly, Naqvi said the public has already “sounded the farewell band” for Mamata Banerjee’s political career, accusing her of crossing the line from allegedly shielding wrongdoing to becoming a symbol of disorder. Despite the accusations, the former Union Minister stressed that it remains the collective responsibility of all political parties, constitutional bodies and the Election Commission to ensure that the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections are conducted in a fair, fearless and free atmosphere. He underlined that democratic processes must prevail regardless of political confrontations. Expanding his criticism beyond Bengal, Naqvi also took aim at opposition parties over civic elections, claiming that leaders of what he called a “defeated dynastic system” are repeatedly blaming institutions like the Election Commission and electronic voting machines for their losses. He further expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh, alleging rising fundamentalism and attacks on minorities, while asserting that the Indian government has a moral and constitutional duty to safeguard minority rights in line with past bilateral commitments. Naqvi Slams Mamata Banerjee for Shielding Crime, Warns of Political Downfall Ahead of Bengal Polls Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting criminals and anarchists, claiming she is nearing the end of her political career. His remarks came amid rising tensions ahead of the state Assembly elections, with Naqvi highlighting alleged law-and-order issues under her leadership. The comments followed a controversy involving the Enforcement Directorate, which alleged obstruction during raids linked to a coal smuggling case. Naqvi claimed that the Chief Minister had allegedly removed key evidence from the premises of a political consultancy firm, calling it an example of her failing governance and alleged involvement in shielding wrongdoing. Despite the accusations, Naqvi emphasized that all political parties, constitutional bodies, and the Election Commission have a responsibility to ensure that West Bengal elections are conducted in a free, fair, and fearless manner. He stressed that democratic processes must not be compromised amid political conflicts. Beyond Bengal, Naqvi criticized opposition parties for blaming the Election Commission and EVMs after electoral losses. He also expressed concern over the growing influence of extremist forces in Bangladesh, reiterating India’s moral and constitutional duty to protect minority rights while safeguarding regional stability.