BJP Counters Abhishek Banerjee’s Allegations with Data on Rail Project Funding in Bengal

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th July 2024

In a heated exchange over budget allocations, the BJP fired back at Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee’s claims that the Modi government had neglected West Bengal in terms of funding. Banerjee had earlier stated in the Lok Sabha that the Centre deprived West Bengal and other regions of various benefits, including MNERGA and housing schemes.

BJP’s Saumitra Khan responded robustly, accusing the TMC government of failing to allot land for a significant rail project despite the Centre allocating Rs 13,000 crore for it. Khan criticized Banerjee, stating, “The biggest dacoit speaks the thieves’ language. He is a dacoit, so whose language will he speak? They rename the Central Government’s schemes and don’t even give an account for Central funds,” Khan remarked while speaking to news agency ANI.

The controversy intensified with BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in Bengal, presenting detailed figures to counter Banerjee’s allegations. Adhikari highlighted that the Annual Average Budget Outlay for West Bengal through Indian Railways for the fiscal year 2024-25 was Rs 13,941 crore, three times higher than during the UPA regime. He emphasized that this figure was part of ongoing projects estimated at Rs 60,168 crore.

Adhikari noted that West Bengal benefits from numerous ministries and centrally sponsored schemes and projects, not just the railway budget. He criticized those spreading a pessimistic outlook about West Bengal’s allocation in the Union Budget, urging them to consider the broader spectrum of central funding.

In his budget speech, Banerjee alleged that the Modi government was conspiring against West Bengal after failing to defeat the TMC politically. He challenged the Centre to produce a white paper detailing fund allocations to Bengal, especially for the 100-day work and housing schemes. “If they can prove even 10 paise was given to Bengal in these three financial years, I will quit politics,” Banerjee declared.

Responding to Banerjee’s challenge, Union MoS and BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar stated that the Centre was ready to provide the necessary data to Banerjee. “Whenever he wants, we are ready to provide the data. Abhishek Banerjee is behaving as if he is the ruler of this country. This kind of arrogance is not accepted in a democracy. People know that whenever the Central Government provided money to West Bengal, it was misused by the TMC Government,” Majumdar asserted.

Majumdar’s statement reinforced the BJP’s stance that the TMC had misappropriated central funds, a claim even the TMC had indirectly acknowledged. The BJP’s aggressive rebuttal aimed to highlight the Centre’s financial support to West Bengal while pointing out the inefficiencies and mismanagement of the TMC government.

In his address, Banerjee had also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of leading a “creaky, shaky and vulnerable” coalition government, focusing the budget on appeasing coalition partners. He argued that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget aimed to compensate the ruling NDA’s coalition allies rather than addressing the broader needs of the nation, including states like West Bengal.

As the political tussle continues, the BJP’s detailed data release and strong rhetoric aim to undermine Banerjee’s allegations and reinforce the narrative that the TMC is not effectively utilizing the funds allocated by the Centre. This exchange underscores the ongoing tension between the state and central governments, with both sides vying for public support and credibility ahead of future electoral battles.