Indian economy in ICU, PM's friends are showing their red eyes - Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a detailed attack on the Centre, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and the United States’ 50% tariff imposition on Indian goods. Addressing reporters at the airport, Banerjee said the ECI was operating beyond its constitutional jurisdiction and interfering in the functioning of the elected West Bengal government. He stated that the Election Commission’s authority begins only after the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and that actions being taken 10–11 months ahead of elections show an intent to obstruct the functioning of a democratically elected administration.

Banerjee alleged that over the past few months, the Election Commission has removed administrative powers from the state and allowed institutions to be misused against Bengal. He said incidents like Sandeshkhali were used to target the state and that the current actions are designed to stop “real Bengalis” from voting. He added that the ECI should have officially informed the state government before such interventions, as the state is governed by an elected body, not the Centre.

On the subject of investigations, Banerjee claimed that more than 50 CBI probes have been launched since the 2021 state elections through various benches of the High Court. He alleged that these actions were aimed at weakening the state and politically targeting the Trinamool Congress. Referring to the RG Kar case, he said that despite CBI involvement, the Kolkata Police’s work within 24 hours was more effective and highlighted that the state was defamed nationally without basis.

Speaking on the recent 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian goods, Banerjee said it would have serious consequences for India's IT, pharmaceutical, and textile industries. He warned that it would lead to job losses, declining exports, and a broader impact on the economy. He called the tariff a "diplomatic failure" of the Indian government and questioned the silence of the administration that once promoted a strong global image. “This will affect employment, exports, and industry,” he said.

He brought up the Centre’s past relations with Donald Trump, referring to the Prime Minister introducing Trump as “a friend of India.” Banerjee said, “Did Mamata Banerjee or TMC ever say anything like that?” He further said, “Trump said India’s economy is dead — I don’t agree with that. I would say the economy is in the ICU. It can’t be killed because it survives on the love and trust of 140 crore Indians. But over the past 10 years, it has worsened.”

On national security, Banerjee questioned why Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has not been reclaimed despite the Home Minister calling it an integral part of India. He said that following Pulwama, airstrikes were conducted, and now after Pahalgam, similar patterns are being repeated. “We are stuck in a loop. The only solution is to reclaim PoK and respond to Pakistan in their own language. The Opposition is with the government on this issue,” he said. He also questioned why a residential certificate in Trump’s name had surfaced and added, “Instead of questioning us, ask the Election Commission why Trump imposed a 50% tariff on India. Maybe we’ll get a better answer when he comes to vote in Bihar.”