‘BJP Commission playing brilliant game’: Mamata slams EC over pre-poll transfers, says ‘Dilli ka laddu won’t win’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging bias over the reshuffling of top officials ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Referring to the poll body as the “BJP Commission,” Mamata said the ECI was “playing a brilliant game” by ordering transfers even before the official election notification had been issued. “I will tell the BJP Commission to forgive me. You are playing a brilliant game. Notification has not been issued for elections,” she said.

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Kolkata, West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, “By not creating problems in schools, come in this fight, peacefully, respectfully and politically let’s fight, to strength the democracy. I will tell BJP’s commission that forgive me, you are playing a brilliant game.… pic.twitter.com/EJq9XOs8O0

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— IANS (@ians_india) March 17, 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief also accused the BJP of violating all rules and being involved in planning and plotting against Bengal. Reminding the BJP that “all the officers are ours, those who work in Bengal,” Mamata reiterated that after the declaration of the elections, the elected government would remain in power.

Kolkata, West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, “When you are violating all rules, then directly come for campaigning and do a meeting from a stage. I will tell this with a smiling face that, you can do whatever you want. You have many plans and conspiracies but… pic.twitter.com/9dcz377E6s

— IANS (@ians_india) March 17, 2026

The Chief Minister alleged that the poll body has selected the officers who will help the BJP. She added, “Remember you have removed all the Bengali officers, alongside that all the non-Bengali efficient officers…”

Kolkata, West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, “Those who will help you, so you have selected them. Prime Minister if you believe in democracy then why are you targeting Bengal. The more you target Bengal the people of Bengal will reject you. Remember you have removed… pic.twitter.com/rUIgJSjPbz

— IANS (@ians_india) March 17, 2026

‘Bengal will reject PM’: Mamata

Striking a confident note, Banerjee asserted that the BJP stands little chance in the state, declaring, “Dilli ka laddu will not win.”

Targeting PM Modi, she said that the more he targets Bengal, the people of Bengal will reject him.” She claimed that the BJP’s seat tally would drop compared to the previous election, while the TMC would secure more than 226 seats.

Describing the election as a battle for the “astitva” of West Bengal, Banerjee said the contest goes beyond politics and represents the state’s identity and cultural ethos.

“What I am wearing is our party symbol, and it means victory,” she said, invoking the TMC’s slogan of “Maa, Mati, Manush.” She added that the party’s campaign would focus on protecting Bengal’s soil, culture, and inclusivity across all castes, religions, and communities.

Kolkata, West Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee says, “What I am wearing is our party symbol, and it means Victory. Honouring Maa, Mati, Manush, the soil of Bengal, its culture, identity, and all sections of society, all castes, religions, and communities, today we are going to announce… pic.twitter.com/Dil49RyjAD

— IANS (@ians_india) March 17, 2026

Calling for a fair contest, Mamata asked the BJP to engage in a “peaceful, respectful and political” fight to strengthen democracy rather than creating disruptions. She also appealed to the Centre not to create crises, including a potential gas shortage, in the run-up to the polls.

Her remarks came as the TMC announced its full list of candidates for all 294 Assembly seats in the state. Banerjee confirmed that she will contest from Bhabanipur, while the BJP has fielded Suvendu Adhikari from both Bhabanipur and Nandigram.