Mamata, TMC Leaders Confront Police in Delhi, Allege SIR-Affected Families ‘Threatened’

New Delhi, Feb 2:West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with senior leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), on Monday confronted police personnel deployed outside Banga Bhawan in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri area, alleging harassment and intimidation of families affected by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state who had been brought to the national capital by the party.

The confrontation occurred amid heavy police presence outside the West Bengal government’s guest house, prompting heightened security arrangements in the diplomatic enclave. Delhi Police officials later said security had been strengthened to maintain law and order following the incident.

Addressing mediapersons, Banerjee alleged that the affected families had travelled from Bengal to Delhi to place their grievances before the Election Commission of India, but were being “threatened” instead. She questioned the need for such a heavy police deployment and accused authorities of trying to suppress the voices of ordinary citizens.

“Why are so many police personnel deployed here? These are poor people who have come peacefully to raise their issues before the Election Commission. Why are they being threatened?” Banerjee asked.

The TMC chief alleged that the SIR exercise had led to harassment of people in Bengal and claimed that attempts were being made to prevent affected families from speaking out. Senior TMC leaders present at the spot echoed Banerjee’s allegations and accused the Centre of misusing law enforcement agencies to intimidate political opponents.

Police sources, however, maintained that security arrangements were routine and aimed at preventing any law-and-order situation, particularly in a high-security area like Chanakyapuri. They denied allegations of harassment and said no restrictions had been imposed on peaceful movement.

The incident has further escalated tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP-led Centre, with the TMC accusing central agencies and authorities of targeting West Bengal and its people for political reasons.