KOLKATA: In a bold escalation of West Bengal’s political showdown, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has thrown down the gauntlet to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The party demands she substantiate explosive allegations of coal smuggling within 72 hours or brace for a high-stakes defamation battle in court.
The controversy erupted amid ongoing accusations of corruption plaguing Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. BJP leaders, led by state president Sukanta Majumdar, accused the CM of shielding smuggling networks in the state’s coal-rich districts. ‘If Mamataji has evidence, present it now. Otherwise, her baseless smears will land her in legal trouble,’ Majumdar declared at a packed press conference in Kolkata.
This isn’t mere rhetoric. The BJP has unearthed reports of massive coal pilferage from mines in Birbhum and Paschim Bardhaman, allegedly funneled through TMC-controlled syndicates. Enforcement Directorate raids last month seized trucks laden with illicit coal, pointing fingers at local TMC heavyweights. Banerjee, in response, had earlier branded BJP activists as ‘smugglers’ during a rally, igniting the firestorm.
Political analysts see this as BJP’s masterstroke ahead of municipal polls. By forcing Banerjee’s hand, the opposition aims to expose chinks in her anti-corruption armor. ‘The clock is ticking. 72 hours, no more,’ reiterated BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya, vowing to file suits if claims remain unproven.
As tensions simmer, coal-dependent regions watch closely. Smuggling scandals have choked local economies, with black market coal fetching triple the legal price. Banerjee’s office dismissed the ultimatum as ‘political drama,’ but refused specifics on evidence. With courts now in play, West Bengal’s coal wars could redefine the state’s power dynamics.
The saga underscores deepening BJP-TMC hostilities, where every allegation risks courtroom showdowns. Will Banerjee deliver proof or double down on defiance? The next 72 hours promise fireworks in India’s most volatile political arena.