TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee Delivers Fiery Response to PM Modi in Nadia
Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a sharp counterattack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. He addressed a massive crowd in Nadia district's Chapra area during his Jitbe Abar Bangla Yatra.
"Bengal Won't Bow Before Delhi Tyrants"
Banerjee's speech came just minutes after PM Modi addressed a BJP rally in Singur. The Prime Minister had urged people to punish the Mamata Banerjee-led government. Standing atop his vehicle at a road crossing, the TMC MP delivered his response directly to the people.
"The people of Bengal will not bow down before tyrants in Delhi," declared Banerjee. He continued, "PM Modi says change is needed, therefore BJP government. They want to change the people of Bengal. But Bengal has not changed Modi-ji. TMC and Bengal will not change."
Accusations of Fund Withholding and Punishment
The Diamond Harbour MP accused the central government of deliberately punishing Bengal's people. He claimed the Centre was withholding crucial funds for development projects.
"They tried to teach us a lesson by stopping funds for building roads," said Banerjee. "But we have spent Rs 8,000 crores and built over 20,000 km of roads across Bengal. You have not given us 10 paise, but Bengal has not stopped."
He elaborated further on the alleged punishment. "You want to change Bengal's people by punishing them. You have stopped 100-day work, water, snatched away roofs over their heads. You want Bengal to surrender and bow before you."
Promises of Political Change
While asserting Bengal's unchanging spirit, Banerjee agreed that political change was necessary. He predicted a significant shift in the coming years.
"The people of Bengal will not change, but change is required," he stated. "After 2026, Modi will come to Bengal to chant 'Joy Bangla'. Bengal will throw you out of power in Delhi after electing TMC for the fourth time."
He noted what he called BJP's changing tactics. "You used to start programs with Jai Shri Ram. Now you chant Jai Maa Kali and Jai Maa Durga. Poriborton hobe - there will be a change."
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation
Banerjee turned his criticism toward the Special Intensive Revision exercise in West Bengal. He accused the BJP of conspiring to delete voters' names from electoral rolls.
"The BJP is conspiring to delete and cut names from this state's voters' list forcefully," he alleged. "Previously, people decided who would form government. Now, government decides who will vote."
He mentioned several controversial actions. "They labelled us Bangladeshi and Rohingya. They questioned Maa Durga's lineage. They sent SIR notice to Nobel winner Amartya Sen. If we are illegal, then even Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are illegal."
Claims of Agency Misuse and Data Theft Attempts
The TMC leader accused the central government of misusing investigative agencies against opposition parties. He claimed these actions were intensifying ahead of elections.
"They tried to steal TMC data before elections, but we have people's support," said Banerjee. "They have everything from ED, CBI, and a section of media. They put agencies behind me before 2021 elections but failed. Now they resort to falsehood."
TMC's Social Media Counterattack
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress launched its own response on social media platform X. The party directly challenged PM Modi's claims about investment in Bengal.
"Singur doesn't take kindly to liars," the TMC post stated. "When PM Modi claimed no investments are coming to Bengal, he wasn't just distorting facts. He was insulting Bengal's intelligence."
The party highlighted recent developments in Singur. "Singur is back on the industrial map. Under Mamata Banerjee's leadership, our government approved a Rs 500-crore warehouse project on 11.35 acres. This strengthens e-commerce logistics for Amazon and Flipkart. It creates large-scale employment for local youth."
Broader Political Context
The exchange occurs amid ongoing political tensions between the ruling TMC in West Bengal and the BJP-led central government. Several key issues dominate the discourse:
- Alleged withholding of central funds to West Bengal
- Controversial voter list revision exercises
- Attacks on Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states
- Use of central agencies against opposition leaders
- Competing narratives about Bengal's development
Banerjee's Nadia rally represents part of his ongoing Jitbe Abar Bangla Yatra. This political campaign aims to consolidate support ahead of crucial elections. The TMP leader positions himself as the primary challenger to BJP's narrative in Bengal.
Political observers note the significance of both rallies occurring on the same day. PM Modi's Singur address and Banerjee's Nadia response highlight the intense political competition in West Bengal. The state remains a crucial battleground in national politics.
