BJP Wants Nephew Abhishek Banerjee Arrested Before The 2024 Elections, Says Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of Bengal, has stated that Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee will be arrested before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Banerjee claimed to have inside information on this, following recent raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on premises owned by a firm connected to her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.

The raids allegedly uncovered incriminating documents. Abhishek Banerjee is a Lok Sabha MP and also nephew of the Chief Minister.

During a passionate attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mamata Banerjee accused them of conspiring against Abhishek Banerjee.

She also mentioned a new bill that aims to regulate the appointment of election commissioners, expressing suspicion that elections may be held in December.

The Chief Minister strongly criticised the BJP for its alleged actions.

Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay at what she considers a vindictive government. She recounted an incident where the authorities allegedly accessed Abhishek Banerjee's computer without informing anyone.

According to her, they took files from his computer, replaced them with their own, and then presented the manipulated files as evidence. She warned against underestimating her team's abilities in dealing with such matters.

Abhishek Banerjee criticised the ED for allegedly planting evidence and also took a dig at the central government for failing to bring back high-profile fugitives.

He further clarified that he had gone abroad for medical treatment and refuted rumors spread through the media. He emphasised that he is not like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, or Vijay Mallya; and that his "surname is Banerjee".

Last week, the Chief Minister expressed her dissatisfaction with federal agencies, accusing them of acting in favour of the BJP.

She highlighted the daily challenges faced by her administration and the lack of prior intimation. She mentioned that her nephew Banerjee had returned just the day before.

The Chief Minister has also accused the ED of "breaking locks and entering" premises marked for raids. "If someone is not at home (and the ED enters)... how can there be guarantee you're not putting explosives... a gun... crores of rupees in a box?" she demanded.

Accusing the government of waging an "illegal political vendetta", Chief Minister Banerjee added, "You cannot run the country like this. We are citizens of an independent country. The PM boasts when he is abroad that he takes everyone along. And look at opposition-ruled states. They are biting us like ants."

In a statement, she remarked that although she has the power to conduct raids and reveal incriminating information, she chooses not to do so. She also made a controversial statement about journalists, suggesting that they often receive more money than politicians.

In a cautionary message to voters across India, Chief Minister Banerjee expressed her concerns about the possibility of the BJP being re-elected for a third term in the upcoming general election.

She warned that such an outcome could lead to an "autocratic" rule in the nation. She confidently stated that just as her party successfully removed the Left-Front in Bengal, they would also be able to remove the BJP from the centre if they so desired.