KOLKATA — Launching a high-decibel campaign for the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged on March 20, 2026, that the state is currently under an “unofficial President’s Rule.” Speaking after the release of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) manifesto, she claimed the central government is conspiring to “snatch” citizenship through the NRC and Census following the polls.
Allegations of Administrative Overreach
Banerjee’s “President’s Rule” claim stems from recent aggressive interventions by the Election Commission of India (ECI):
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Bureaucratic Reshuffle: Following the Model Code of Conduct, the ECI replaced top officials, including Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena, and the Director General of Police (DGP).
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Service Disruption: The CM argued that transferring the Principal Secretary of the Food Department during a potential supply shortage undermines state autonomy and essential services.
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Central Observers: She questioned the accountability of IAS officers reassigned as poll observers in territories where they lack ground-level understanding.
The “Citizenship Conspiracy” & NRC
Banerjee warned voters that the 2026-27 Census (scheduled to begin in April 2026) is a “Trojan horse” for the National Register of Citizens (NRC):
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Post-Election Plan: She alleged the Centre plans to use Census data to “impact citizenship” once the Bengal elections conclude.
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Division of Bengal: The CM further claimed there is a plot to carve out a new state by merging parts of North Bengal with districts in Bihar, an idea she vowed to resist at all costs.
