Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of ‘State Terrorism’ over demolition drive in Bengal
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of practising “state terrorism” and said she would continue fighting the party’s actions through constitutional and legal means.
Addressing party workers and supporters, the Trinamool Congress chief invoked the Constitution and judiciary while criticising the recent demolition drive carried out near Howrah Railway Station.
“I want to remind the judiciary that they are the true protectors of the law... I will continue to fight a legal battle against state terrorism. I will see which holds more power — the Constitution or the nozzle of a gun,” Banerjee said.
Her remarks come amid an escalating political confrontation over the demolition of alleged illegal structures near Howrah Railway Station earlier this month. The operation was conducted under heavy police deployment using bulldozers and other machinery.
The TMC supremo also attacked the Centre and warned the BJP of political consequences in the future.
“When you fall from power in Delhi, you will face the consequences of your actions — we are waiting for that day,” she said.
Drawing comparisons with her government’s earlier rehabilitation policies, Banerjee cited the construction of the Kalyani Express Setu project.
“When Kalyani Express Setu was built, 43 homes were affected on the road, and we built 43 homes exactly the same for their rehabilitation. Now, there is looting, vandalism, and attempts to erase all traces,” she alleged.
The demolition drive, carried out on May 16, targeted structures identified by civic authorities as unauthorised encroachments in the Howrah station area.
The action triggered protests by the Trinamool Congress, which accused the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal of promoting a “bulldozer culture” and carrying out forceful evictions of hawkers and residents.
TMC leaders earlier staged demonstrations outside the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and announced wider protests across Kolkata and adjoining areas against the eviction campaign.
The BJP government has maintained that the demolition drive was aimed at clearing illegal encroachments and improving public infrastructure around the busy railway station area.
