Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of failing to accord due honour and respect to the ancestral place of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Speaking at a political rally in Kolkata, Adityanath alleged that the TMC-led state government has deliberately neglected the cultural heritage associated with Tagore's lineage.
TMC Accused of Disrespecting Tagore's Legacy
Adityanath stated that the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal holds immense historical and cultural significance, not just for the state but for the entire nation. He claimed that the TMC government has not taken adequate steps to preserve and promote this heritage site. The Uttar Pradesh CM further alleged that the ruling party in West Bengal is more focused on political vendetta rather than honoring the contributions of iconic figures like Tagore.
Curbs on Religious Processions
In addition to the criticism over Tagore's ancestral place, Yogi Adityanath also accused the TMC government of imposing restrictions on religious processions. He asserted that such curbs are a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens and reflect the authoritarian nature of the Mamata Banerjee-led administration. Adityanath urged the people of West Bengal to vote for change in the upcoming assembly elections to restore cultural and religious freedoms.
The remarks come ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections scheduled for 2026, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to mount a strong challenge against the incumbent TMC. Political analysts view Adityanath's statements as part of the BJP's campaign to highlight cultural and religious issues in the state.
Tagore's ancestral home in Jorasanko, Kolkata, is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Bengal's rich literary heritage. The TMC government has previously undertaken restoration projects at the site, but critics argue that more needs to be done to preserve its sanctity. The TMC has not yet responded to Adityanath's allegations.
