'BJP says can't eat fish, meat': Mamta Banerjee campaigns in Purulia

NEW DELHI: Mamata Banerjee on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP at an election rally in Purulia, alleging that the party would restrict Bengali food habits, including fish and meat, if it comes to power.Addressing the rally, she said, “BJP says can't eat fish, meat, eggs; they don't believe in any religion; they resort to riots; Adivasis are exploited, women attacked in BJP-ruled states.” Her remarks are in line with the TMC’s campaign pitch, which presents the BJP as out of touch with Bengal’s cultural traditions.Stepping up her attack on the saffron party, she said, “A big BJP leader has unleashed his ‘chargesheet’ against TMC; a ‘chargesheet’ should be filed against them. There were so many riots in Gujarat,” referring to Amit Shah, who on Friday in Kolkata released the BJP’s 15-year “chargesheet” against TMC rule.Praising TMC's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, she warned, "Women have benefited. BJP will give some money before the polls, but close it after."Banerjee also slammed the EC's Special Intensive Revision (SIR), claiming 1.2 crore voter names were deleted, targeting her supporters."EC has removed almost everyone who worked with me; IAS, IPS were humiliated," she said, referring to the recent transfers of officers.The elections, for 294 seats in West Bengal, will be held in two phases: April 23 (152 constituencies) and April 29 (142), with results scheduled for May 4, in what is expected to be a closely watched contest between the TMC and BJP.