BJP's Suvendu accuses TMC of blocking Central schemes, slams Bangladesh for anti-India sentiments

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has sharply criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for its alleged mismanagement of central funds and blocking of key welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of people in West Bengal. Adhikari claimed that between 2018 and 2023, the Indian government allocated ₹6.48 lakh crore to the state, but most of these funds have either been misused or not effectively implemented for public benefit. He called out the state’s poor performance in utilizing the funds meant for infrastructure, health, agriculture, and social welfare.

Adhikari argued that while the central government has been transferring large amounts of funds to the state for development projects, the TMC government had been bypassing the proper financial channels and had historically used the funds' interest for political purposes. "They have been keeping their share of central funds in accounts and using the interest for festivals, welfare programs, and political events. The Center has now introduced financial discipline, which they are resisting," Adhikari said. He pointed out that this diversion of funds had led to severe inefficiencies and a lack of transparency in the execution of welfare programs.

Among the central schemes that Adhikari focused on were the PM Kisan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Ayushman Bharat health scheme. He criticized the Trinamool government for failing to effectively implement these projects, which were aimed at benefiting millions of people in Bengal. He mentioned that although the state was allocated 82 lakh toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, there was no clear information on how many people had actually received them. Similarly, despite the availability of financial aid under the PM Kisan scheme, Adhikari claimed that only 83 lakh farmers in Bengal had been identified as beneficiaries, far fewer than the number of eligible farmers in the state.

Adhikari also raised concerns about the mismanagement of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which was meant to provide free health insurance to millions of underprivileged families. He noted that while other states had successfully implemented the scheme, Bengal had failed to enroll eligible beneficiaries. "The Ayushman Bharat card is not available to people in Bengal. Why has this scheme not been implemented?" he questioned.

The BJP leader also directed his ire towards the state’s Panchayat system, alleging widespread corruption. He accused Panchayat heads of appropriating multiple government houses meant for the poor, including in areas like Beldanga and Kabilpur. "In Beldanga, one Panchayat head has taken 17 houses. In Kabilpur, one Panchayat head’s family has taken 35 houses," Adhikari claimed. He accused the state’s Panchayat Minister of being complicit in these corrupt practices and depriving the poor of their due rights.

Beyond Bengal’s domestic issues, Adhikari also addressed the growing anti-India sentiments emerging from Bangladesh. This comes amid rising tensions over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, which sparked protests in both Bangladesh and Kolkata. Adhikari voiced his concern over what he termed as an increasing anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh, citing the influence of pro-Pakistani elements within the country. "We have seen the rise of anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh, which is deeply troubling. This is a critical issue that India must address," he said.

In his remarks on the historical context of Bangladesh’s independence, Adhikari highlighted India’s critical role in the 1971 Liberation War, where thousands of Indian soldiers and Bengali Hindus made significant sacrifices. "Three thousand Indian soldiers gave their lives. Thirty thousand Bengali Hindus sacrificed their lives. It was after this that victory came in 1971," Adhikari stated, referencing the pivotal role played by India in Bangladesh’s freedom struggle. He emphasized that Bangladesh must remember its history and recognize India’s contributions to its independence.

Adhikari also hinted that India would respond firmly to any provocations from Bangladesh. He announced that a major rally would be held on December 16, Victory Day, in Kolkata, where he and other leaders would send a strong message to Bangladesh’s supporters of anti-India activities. The rally aims to confront the growing influence of anti-India rhetoric, particularly from those who sympathize with Pakistan’s interests.

This development comes as Bangladesh is facing increasing criticism for its treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus, and the growing influence of religious extremism in the country. Minister Firhad Hakim had previously raised concerns about the rise of religious intolerance in Bangladesh, warning that the country could face a crisis similar to Pakistan if these trends continue. Adhikari’s comments further highlight the ongoing political tensions between India and Bangladesh.