Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday pledged shelter to those “evicted” from BJP-ruled states like Assam and Gujarat.

Trinamul sources said she was positioning herself as a “saviour” to bolster her image as a national leader.

“If anybody faces any atrocity, whether a Bihari or a Bengali, please keep in mind that if there is none to help, Bengal will stand by them and will provide shelter in its own way,” Mamata said at a public meeting on the Rashmela Grounds, around 40km from the Assam border.

In Assam, names of around 40 lakh residents, most of them being Bengali-speaking people, have not made it to the final draft of the National Register of Citizens. Amid an atmosphere of uncertainty in the neighbouring state, some of them have started trickling into adjoining areas of Bengal.

The recent violence in Gujarat – primarily aimed at migrant workers from Bihar – forced thousands of them leave the BJP-ruled state amid large scale condemnation of the attack.

In her speech, Mamata tried to distinguish how Bengal was different from the two BJP-ruled states.

“You have seen what has happened in Assam. Those who are making tall claims are in power in the state and also at the Centre. They are trying to evict Bengalis from Assam. This does not happen in Bengal,” Mamata said.

“We love Bengalis, Assamese, Biharis, refugees, minorities and all others. We love people irrespective of the language in which they speak. In Assam, they have deleted names of around 40 lakh people who are our brothers and sisters. People are committing suicide. In Gujarat, people of other states are being driven away. This will never happen in Bengal,” she added.

The assertion to offer shelter to those evicted from other states, which observers said was a political pledge of first-of-its-kind by Mamata, was an indicator that Trinamul would continue its opposition to the NRC in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls. The attack on Biharis in Gujarat is also likely to feature in the campaign.

“She wanted to send a message to the BJP standing close to the Assam border. It seems she wants to drive home the point that she is a national level political leader who has concerns beyond the state,” said an observer.

According to the observer, she broached the issue to prevent the BJP from influencing voters close to the Assam border.

“Several residents of Cooch Behar who stay in Assam have not found their names in the NRC. This is an issue with which local people can easily relate to. She is also well aware that the BJP is focussing on the Cooch Behar seat and has plans to bring in leaders from Assam for campaign,” an insider said.

Also, in recent times, Trinamul in Cooch Behar has been plagued by infighting. Recurring incidents of violence which have led to deaths – even students have lost their lives – has led to disenchantment among a section of residents.

“It appears to be a strategy to draw the attention of locals at larger issues while trying to drive home the point that people are safer and secure in the state,” added the observer.