TMC Launches Scathing Attack on PM Modi Over Bengal Rally Amid LPG Shortage Crisis
In a sharp political escalation, the Trinamool Congress launched a vigorous counteroffensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, following his massive rally at Kolkata's historic Brigade Parade Ground. The regional party accused the Prime Minister of prioritizing political campaigning in West Bengal while ordinary citizens struggle with severe LPG cylinder shortages and escalating cooking gas prices across the state.
Political Rally Amid National Crisis Draws Fire
TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh delivered a blistering critique, alleging that while Parliament was actively discussing the nationwide LPG crisis and price inflation during the crucial Budget session, the Prime Minister chose to attend a political gathering in Bengal instead. "Restaurants are being forced to shut down across the state. Cooking has completely stopped in countless households due to unavailability of cylinders. Yet, we have reports that approximately 250 LPG cylinders were utilized at the BJP's Brigade rally specifically for frying jalebi and kachori," Ghosh stated emphatically.
West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu echoed these sentiments, questioning Modi's decision to address a political rally rather than participate in parliamentary deliberations on the pressing issue. "Despite significant distress affecting Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ensured uninterrupted LPG supplies continue and the vital mid-day meal scheme operates without disruption. Meanwhile, what is our Prime Minister doing? When the entire nation faces such a severe crisis, he should have been present in Parliament, actively discussing solutions with fellow lawmakers. Instead, he has traveled here solely to engage in vote-bank politics," Basu asserted.
Social Media Campaign Highlights Alleged Disparities
The Trinamool Congress intensified its offensive through a coordinated series of social media posts, directly accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of enjoying privileged access to LPG cylinders while ordinary citizens endure prolonged shortages. In a pointed message posted on platform X, TMC stated: "Before Narendra Modi stands at Brigade and repeatedly chants 'paltano dorkar,' he must first address the skyrocketing price of LPG. Before lecturing Bengal about 'poriborton,' he should transform the harsh reality where common people stand in endless queues merely to keep their kitchen fires burning."
Financial Disputes and Governance Criticisms
Saayoni Ghosh further escalated the confrontation by alleging financial discrepancies between central announcements and actual disbursements. While Prime Minister Modi highlighted development projects worth approximately Rs 18,000 crore for Bengal during his speech, Ghosh claimed that significantly larger sums owed to the state remain unpaid by the central government. "The Prime Minister mentioned projects valued at Rs 18,000 crore have been allocated to Bengal. However, outstanding dues totaling nearly Rs 2 lakh crore have not been released to the state. He is essentially offering a 'lollipop' while claiming solidarity with Bengal," the TMC parliamentarian declared.
Ghosh expanded her criticism to encompass broader governance issues, specifically targeting the BJP's record on women's safety. "Statistics reveal that the top five most unsafe states and cities across India are all governed by the BJP. Yet, you continue delivering speeches about women's safety. Crimes against women have demonstrably increased under your administration. Furthermore, the President has not cleared the crucial Aparajita anti-rape bill because she is not functioning as the nation's President—she is operating as BJP's president," Ghosh charged.
Election Commission and Foreign Policy Under Scrutiny
Education Minister Bratya Basu turned his attention to constitutional institutions, alleging that the Election Commission of India has succumbed to political pressure. "The Election Commission has effectively transformed into the Election Commission of the BJP," Basu stated, referencing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. "After deleting 63 lakh names from voter lists, placing an additional 60 lakh under adjudication, and claiming nearly 200 innocent lives during the process, how many actual Bangladeshi or Rohingya infiltrators have genuinely been detected through this SIR exercise?" he questioned.
Basu also critiqued the central government's foreign policy approach, accusing Prime Minister Modi of displaying selective assertiveness on international platforms. "The Prime Minister exhibits considerable bravado after arriving in Bengal, but you demonstrate no similar courage when facing global leaders like Donald Trump. Foreign nations are dictating terms regarding from whom we should purchase oil, at what specific prices, and with which countries we should maintain diplomatic friendships. Yet, you maintain complete silence on these critical matters," the minister remarked.
The political confrontation highlights deepening tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the central BJP government, with the LPG crisis emerging as a focal point for broader criticisms regarding governance priorities, financial allocations, and institutional independence as election dynamics intensify in the eastern state.
