Lashing out at the Election Commission for transferring top state bureaucrats and police officers shortly after announcing the assembly polls in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee branded the poll panel and the ruling BJP as "anti-women and anti-Bengal". "It doesn't matter who you appoint as replacement officers; they will all work for Bengal," Banerjee said, apparently hitting out at the EC but without directly naming it. Mamata also issued a sharp warning to the BJP over the alleged attack on the residence of state minister Shashi Panja. “BJP should be ashamed for attack on Bengal minister Sashi Panja's house by party-backed anti-socials on day of PM's rally,” Mamata said. Picture: Amit DattaThe Election Commission on Sunday had announced two-phase West Bengal Assembly polls on April 23 and 29.

Source: The Telegraph March 16, 2026 12:58 UTC