Mamata warns Modi about Amit Shah's influence

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of acting like an "acting Prime Minister" and advising Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be cautious of him. Speaking to reporters after returning from flood-affected areas in north Bengal, Mamata stated, "He is working like an acting PM. But the PM knows everything. I am sorry to say. We can request the PM, don’t trust him blindly, one day he will turn against you like a Mir Jafar! Be careful."

Mamata's comments drew a historical parallel, likening Shah to Mir Jafar, an 18th-century general who betrayed Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah during the Battle of Plassey. She expressed concern over the Election Commission's actions, claiming they were influenced by Shah in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. "Whatever the Election Commission is doing in the name of implementing the SIR is at the behest of Shah, who is behaving like an acting Prime Minister. Unfortunately, the PM is aware of all his deeds," she said.

Mamata questioned the timing of the SIR, pointing out that it was being conducted amid floods and festivals. She remarked, "Can SIR be conducted in the middle of such natural calamity in 15 days, during such rains and festival season? Is the EC BJP party's commission or a commission for democratic rights for the people? This is all Amit Shah's ‘khel’.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted the ongoing relief efforts in flood-hit regions, where continuous rain and landslides have resulted in 32 deaths and many missing. She confirmed that 500 relief kits, including essential items like blankets and food, have been distributed, and around 1,000 stranded tourists have been evacuated. Mamata plans to revisit the affected areas next week to oversee the relief operations personally.

Political tensions are escalating in West Bengal as the state prepares for upcoming elections, with Mamata's remarks reflecting the growing opposition criticism of the central government and the Election Commission's role in the electoral process.