BJP running minority govt at Centre, its downfall has begun, says Mamata

Mamata Banerjee criticises BJP over women's reservation Bill and political developments

MP, April 19, 2026, Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson, on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, declaring that the “downfall of the BJP has begun” after the saffron party-led Centre failed to push through the Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament on Friday.

Addressing a rally at Panchla in Howrah, Banerjee alleged that the proposed amendment — which sought to advance women’s reservation while incorporating delimitation — was “not a women’s Bill at all”. “They wanted to divide the nation and Bengal,” she claimed. “The BJP tried to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to over 800 in the name of a women’s Bill. They (BJP leaders) wanted delimitation because they wanted to divide the country, as well as Bengal. We do not need to bring a Bill to give representation to women,” she said, referring to the stalled legislation.

She claimed that the BJP had been “defeated” and was surviving in office only with the support of its allies. The Bill, brought by the government led by Narendra Modi, aimed to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha from 2029, ahead of the timeline set by the 2023 law and proposed delimitation based on the 2011 Census.

Opposition parties argued that such a move could increase representation from northern states — seen as politically favourable to the BJP — while reducing the share of southern, northeastern and smaller states. The Centre, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, had dismissed these concerns. The Bill, however, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Banerjee framed the development as a political setback for the BJP. “We defeated them in Parliament. Their decline has started,” she said, urging voters to “complete the process” in the electoral arena.

Highlighting her party’s record, Banerjee said the Trinamool Congress had already ensured 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayats and municipalities, adding that women account for 37 per cent of the party’s Lok Sabha MPs and 46 per cent in the Rajya Sabha. “There is no other party like us. The BJP should learn from us. I have been fighting for women’s reservation since 1998,” she reiterated.

She called for a broader campaign against the BJP. “The battle to remove the BJP from India should begin in Bengal. We will win Bengal and then Delhi,” she said.

She also issued a warning to those “working for the BJP”, saying the party would not remain in power at the Centre for long. She also accused the BJP of planning to influence the electoral process through “slow polling” and “slow counting”, and cautioned party workers against being swayed by early trends. “They will first spread rumours that we are losing. Do not panic. The final outcome will be in our favour,” she said.

The Trinamool chairperson issued instructions to party workers ahead of counting day on May 4, stressing vigilance over EVM functioning and VVPAT verification, and warning against any attempt to tamper with machines or delay the counting process.

Later in the day from her rally at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas, Banerjee alleged a life threat on her party nominee Shaukat Mollah, who is contesting from Bhangar. Accusing the BJP of attempting to withdraw his security, she said: “They want to harm Shaukat. They are trying to get his security withdrawn through the BJP. If anything happens to him, I will not spare anyone.”

Claiming that the saffron party lacks the “courage” to take her on directly, she said that while BJP leaders would move with Central Forces in large convoys, security cover for Trinamool leaders was being reduced. “Do not play with people’s lives or their safety,” she said.

In a show of defiance, Banerjee added that she was willing to give up her own security cover if needed. “Take away my security. I will give it to Shaukat if required. I do not need protection. I am not afraid,” she said.

Striking a combative note, she said threats or violence would not deter her. “You cannot finish me with bombs or bullets. I will fight the BJP and will not spare them,” she said.

Banerjee on Saturday addressed four political rallies at Panchla (Howrah), Baruipur, Bhangar and Sonarpur and then held a roadshow in Howrah.