In a fresh wave of political satire, posters have appeared across Kolkata bearing the slogan 'Ration hok ba chakri, scan korun', taking a dig at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over allegations of corruption and the practice of demanding commissions for government services. The posters, which have gone viral on social media, mock the ruling party's 'cut money' culture, where beneficiaries are allegedly forced to pay bribes to access welfare schemes like ration and jobs.
What the Posters Say
The posters, written in Bengali, translate to 'Whether it's ration or a job, scan it'. This is a play on the TMC's 'Duare Sarkar' (Government at Doorstep) campaign, which aims to deliver services to citizens. The phrase 'scan korun' (scan it) is a sarcastic reference to the alleged practice of scanning QR codes to make payments for government benefits. The posters have appeared in several key locations in Kolkata, including busy marketplaces and near government offices.
Political Reactions
The posters have drawn sharp reactions from political parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the opportunity to criticize the TMC, calling it a 'tax on the poor'. BJP leader Rahul Sinha said, 'These posters expose the TMC's true face. They are looting the poor under the guise of welfare.' The Congress also joined the chorus, demanding a probe into the allegations. However, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed the posters as 'mischievous propaganda' by opposition parties ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Context of 'Cut Money' Allegations
The term 'cut money' has been a recurring theme in West Bengal politics, with opposition parties accusing TMC leaders and local functionaries of demanding commissions for distributing ration, providing jobs, and even facilitating access to healthcare. Several incidents have been reported where beneficiaries were asked to pay a percentage of the subsidy amount. The TMC has consistently denied these allegations, but the issue has gained traction in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
Public Sentiment
Common citizens have mixed reactions. While some find the posters humorous and reflective of ground reality, others believe it is a political stunt. 'We have heard stories of people being asked to pay for ration. If these posters make the government act, it's good,' said a local shopkeeper. Another resident said, 'This is just election time drama. Both parties do the same thing.' The posters have sparked a debate on social media, with many sharing images and expressing their views.
Impact on 2026 Elections
As West Bengal gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, such satirical campaigns are likely to increase. Political analysts believe that the 'cut money' issue could be a key factor influencing voters. The TMC, which has been in power since 2011, faces anti-incumbency and corruption allegations. The opposition is expected to capitalize on this sentiment. However, the TMC remains confident, citing its welfare schemes and development work. The coming months will see more such campaigns as parties battle for the state's 294 assembly seats.
