Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He accused the Prime Minister of deliberately blocking central funds meant for West Bengal. Banerjee made these remarks during a public rally in West Bengal's Nadia district.
Political Clash Over Central Funds
Banerjee's criticism came on the same day when Prime Minister Modi addressed a separate rally in the poll-bound state. The Prime Minister urged voters to end what he called the TMC's fifteen-year period of "maha jungle-raj." In response, Banerjee stated firmly that the TMC and the people of Bengal would not change their stance despite financial pressure from the Centre.
"You blocked funds meant for the people of Bengal and harassed them," Banerjee declared at the Nadia rally. "But the TMC and the people of Bengal will not change."
Family Echoes Similar Concerns
His aunt, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has repeatedly raised similar allegations. As the head of the Trinamool Congress, she has consistently accused the BJP-led Union government of withholding central funds for the state. This issue has become a central theme in the party's election campaign.
Abhishek Banerjee, who serves as the Member of Parliament from Diamond Harbour, made a bold prediction. He asserted that the downfall of the BJP-led government at the Centre would begin right in West Bengal.
Strong Predictions for Upcoming Elections
"You inflicted miseries on the people of Bengal over the last five years," Banerjee told the gathering. "So your party will be reduced to below fifty seats in the Assembly polls."
He expressed confidence about the TMC's future prospects. "In the coming days, the people of Bengal will throw you out of power in Delhi after electing the TMC for the fourth time," Banerjee announced. He concluded this point with the Bengali phrase "Poriborton habe," meaning there will be change at the Centre.
Allegations of Agency Misuse
Banerjee also addressed recent Enforcement Directorate raids. These raids targeted the Kolkata office of IPAC, a leading political consultancy firm. IPAC has been working with the TMC since 2021.
The TMC leader accused the Centre of misusing central agencies against states governed by opposition parties. "They tried to steal our data before the elections, but we have people's support," he claimed.
Banerjee elaborated on his allegations of unfair advantage. "They have everything—from the ED and CBI to a section of the media," he stated. "They put central agencies behind me before the 2021 elections but failed. Now they are resorting to falsehood."
Concerns Over Electoral Roll Revision
The TMC leader raised another significant concern regarding the ongoing revision of electoral rolls. Despite previous allegations about large numbers of illegal immigrants, Banerjee claimed the exercise had identified fifty-four lakh "unmapped voters."
He then made a serious allegation about the government's next move. "Now, unhappy with the findings, they are planning to delete over one crore names from the electoral rolls," Banerjee said. "We will not allow this to happen."
Broader Political Context
The political atmosphere in West Bengal remains highly charged. The Bharatiya Janata Party, buoyed by its recent success in neighbouring Bihar's assembly elections, is actively campaigning. The BJP aims to secure its first term in power in West Bengal.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has maintained control of the state since 2011 under Mamata Banerjee's leadership. The upcoming elections promise to be a fierce contest between these two major political forces.
