Kolkata, July 5 (UNI) To checkmate the BJP in next year's Lok Sabha election, the parties opposing it must form a coalition that authentically represents the people's aspirations and dreams, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted on Wednesday.

In a tete-a-tete with a local vernacular news channel, Banerjee said, 'The BJP's master plan is crystal clear: Divide and conquer. Recently, Maharashtra became the battleground where the BJP showcased its divisive tactics. But they conveniently forget that their time is running out. '

Banerjee was apparently referring to the recent split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, where senior party leader Ajit Pawar joined the NDA ministry of Eknath Shinde with eight other MLAs.

'No matter how hard they try, the people will see through their desperate attempts and stand strong against their divisive agenda, ' Banerjee averred.

She also claimed the BJP had a "selective approach" to fighting corruption and said from Pawar to Praful Patel, many of those who deserted the NCP had graft cases against them.

She also mentioned Jyotiraditya Scinda, who crossed over to the BJP from the Congress in March, 2020, bringing down the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh.



'Jyotiraditya Scindia was facing forgery case when he joined the BJP. In Bengal, LoP (Leader of the Opposition) Suvendu Adhikari has been caught on camera taking bribes; he's implicated in both Saradha and Narada scandals. Funnily enough, when these corrupt leaders are inducted into the BJP, the all-powerful WASHING MACHINE is activated and all charges against them are dropped,' Banerjee quipped.

Banerjee alleged that the opposition parties are being made the victims of the BJP's witchhunt.

"Truly a masterclass in selective justice,' the Trinamool Congress supremo iterated.

Stating that the BJP must remember that Bengal has a rich legacy of fighting for its rights, she

said, ' We won't give up what's rightfully ours. '

Commenting on the Manipur crisis, Banerjee expressed her disbelief that the disturbance was "solely the act of the local population".

He alleged that while Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were organising PR events around the world and preparing election strategies for upcoming elections, "when it comes to reinstating peace

in Manipur, they refuse to take firm action".