West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched one of her most blistering political offensives in recent months, accusing the BJP of weaponising the SIR (Special Identity Register) issue and polarising voters on religious lines.

Addressing a massive gathering in Baharampur, Murshidabad, she declared emphatically: “Bengali will never allow detention camps. As long as your names remain on the voter list, mine will remain too.”

The rally came a day after her party, the Trinamool Congress, suspended MLA Humayun Kabir—an episode that has injected fresh tension into Bengal’s political arena. Yet, Mamata kept her focus squarely on what she called the BJP’s “calculated communal script.”

“Murshidabad doesn’t want unrest”

“Murshidabad’s people do not like unrest,” Mamata said from the stage, recalling the communal tension that erupted earlier this year during protests over Waqf property decisions in Jungipur.

Narrating her intervention during the April unrest, she said, “An incident happened in Dhuliyan–Jangipur. I spoke to Zakir Hussain. I scolded the local councillor on the streets and said—ensure security for minorities. Ensure Hindus are not attacked. We are people of Bengal; we respect every religion.”

Without naming the BJP, she attacked “those who benefit from fanning fires”: “I warn those who are playing Holi in the blood of communalism—Bengal will not tolerate this.”

On Waqf: ‘Minorities’ properties will not be touched’

Banerjee reiterated her position on the Waqf controversy that had fuelled politically charged debates in the district:

“Waqf properties will not be encroached upon. The safety of minorities is my responsibility.”

Her statement came as a counter to opposition allegations that the ruling party mishandled property disputes and failed to control communal tensions.

SIR becomes the political flashpoint

Turning sharply to the SIR issue, Mamata accused the BJP of selectively imposing it in non-BJP states: “Why is SIR enforced only where BJP is not in power? Does Assam or Tripura not share borders with Bangladesh? Why only Bengal? BJP is anti-Bengali. They are targeting Bengalis everywhere.”

Banerjee further alleged that migrant workers speaking Bengali in other states were unfairly branded as “Bangladeshi”—a narrative she said was aimed at criminalising an entire linguistic identity.

‘We will not allow detention camps’

Her voice rising, Mamata warned: “BJP should listen carefully—Bengalis will not allow detention camps. More than half of those killed in SIR-related violence are Hindus. The branch you are sitting on—don’t cut it.”

She also announced that every booth would host a “May I Help You” camp to assist citizens in verifying their voter details.

On BJP’s alleged religious politics

Accusing the BJP of exploiting religion for electoral gains, she said: “Before every election, they try to divide people. They want Bengali vs non-Bengali, Hindu vs Muslim. But Bengal has always rejected communal politics.”

A post-script of caution and verification

In closing, Mamata criticised the spread of misinformation and urged people to wait for verified updates: “Many stories circulate on the internet. We will present only verified facts. Stay with us—we promise accuracy.”

Her speech, laced with emotion, indignation, and political warning, signals that Bengal’s pre-election narrative is now firmly anchored in identity, communal allegations, and the storm swirling around the SIR issue.