‘If ECI demotes, we will promote’: Mamata Banerjee cites Tughlaq, Hitler as she slams SIR over ‘confusion’ in documents

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for alleged discrepancies in electoral documents. During a speech, she invoked historical figures such as Tughlaq and Hitler to illustrate her concerns about what she perceives as an attempt to undermine democracy. Banerjee's remarks came in the backdrop of her legal battle, having recently appeared before the Supreme Court to contest the ECI's decisions. She emphasized that if the ECI attempts to 'demote' her, she and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), would respond by 'promoting' their agenda and resolve to continue their political struggle. The ECI, however, has dismissed her allegations, asserting its commitment to conducting free and fair elections. This confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions between state leadership and electoral authorities, reflecting broader concerns about electoral integrity and governance in India. Banerjee's rhetorical approach underscores her strategy to rally public support by framing the issue as a fight against autocratic tendencies, drawing parallels with historical dictatorships to emphasize the gravity of her claims.