Himachal CM Sukhu Launches Scathing Attack on BJP and TMC During Kolkata Campaign Visit
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu delivered a forceful political critique on Saturday, targeting both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) during his visit to Kolkata for the Congress party's election campaign. In a press conference, Sukhu alleged that West Bengal has experienced a significant development deficit under the TMC's governance, accusing the ruling party of fostering what he termed a "syndicate rule" that hampers progress.
Congress Ideology and Development Focus Emphasized
Sukhu asserted that effective governance must transcend mere slogans and concentrate on tangible development outcomes. He highlighted the Congress party's ideology, which he said respects all religions and castes, framing it as essential for strengthening democracy and securing a prosperous future for West Bengal. The Chief Minister stressed that bringing the Congress to power in the state is crucial to restore democratic values and ensure equitable growth.
Full Slate of Candidates and Governance Promises
Underscoring the party's renewed electoral push, Sukhu noted that the Congress has fielded candidates on all 294 legislative assembly seats in West Bengal for the first time in two decades. He claimed that once elected, the party would accelerate development initiatives and implement fair governance practices. "Our commitment is to transform promises into actionable policies that benefit every citizen," Sukhu stated.
Allegations of Central Discrimination and Welfare Scheme Dilution
The Himachal Pradesh leader also accused the central government, led by the BJP, of discriminating against West Bengal by weakening key welfare schemes. He specifically pointed to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), alleging that its dilution has deprived lakhs of people of employment opportunities. Sukhu credited former Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh for introducing visionary schemes, while alleging that the BJP has systematically eroded their impact.
Criticism of Women's Reservation Bill and Himachal Pradesh Governance
Sukhu further criticized the handling of the Women's Reservation Bill, labeling it as politically motivated rather than a genuine effort toward gender equality. Shifting focus to his home state, he asserted that his government in Himachal Pradesh has successfully fulfilled its electoral guarantees and is actively working toward achieving self-reliance. In contrast, he accused the previous BJP regime of financial mismanagement and burdening the state's economy with unsustainable debt.
The press conference in Kolkata marked a significant moment in the Congress's campaign strategy, as Sukhu positioned the party as a viable alternative to both the TMC and BJP in West Bengal. His remarks reflect broader political tensions ahead of the state elections, with development, governance, and welfare emerging as central themes.
