Kolkata, April 2 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that the harassment of seven judicial adjudication officers at Kaliachak in Malda district was the result of a “joint conspiracy” by the BJP and the Election Commission of India aimed at paving the way for the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.

“It was the ECI’s duty to ensure the protection of the judicial officers. With the model code of conduct being in force, I do not have any control over the administration. But I request all of you not to be trapped in provocation. I know that the grievances of those whose names have been deleted in the judicial adjudication process are genuine. But if you have faith in me, do not be excited. We have to protect West Bengal. Do not forget that the BJP is behind the Malta incident with assistance from the Commission. Their only aim is to upset the election process and get President’s Rule imposed in West Bengal,” the Chief Minister said while addressing an election rally at Sagardighi in Malda-adjacent Murshidabad district of West Bengal on Thursday afternoon.

Without naming, the Chief Minister also indirectly hinted at possible involvement of Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party (AAUP), founded by erstwhile Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir, and Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), in the Malda incident.

AIMIM and AAUP are jointly contesting in several Assembly constituencies, mainly minority-dominated ones, this time. “On one hand, someone flew in from Hyderabad. On the other hand, a traitor emerged on the scene, being funded by the BJP. They incited you to block the roads and gherao the judges. What was the result?” the Chief Minister questioned.

Incidentally, the base of Owaisi is in Hyderabad. On the other hand, Kabir had been branded as a traitor since he floated his own political party, AAUP, after being suspended from Trinamool Congress.

“If you do not want the BJP to take control of power in West Bengal, maintain peace. The Malda incident has tarnished the image of West Bengal. The new Chief Secretary, who had been appointed by the ECI to replace the earlier one, could not handle things. I request you not to take the law into your own hands,” the Chief Minister said.

–IANS

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