TMC's Abhishek says BJP sent 2 tax notices for granting pensions to 76,000 in Bengal, wanted funds for Gujarat, UP

Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee has alleged that the BJP-led central government sent him two income tax notices after he helped 76,000 people receive old-age pensions in Bengal. Speaking at the inauguration of the second phase of the ‘Sebashray’ programme in Diamond Harbour, Banerjee said, “When I provided old-age pensions to 76,000 people, the BJP government sent me two income tax notices—just because I was helping the poor.”

He further claimed that the BJP wants central funds to be directed to Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh instead of Bengal. Banerjee said, “BJP wants this money to go to Gujarat or UP, not to Bengal.” According to him, the welfare efforts taken up in his constituency have faced political obstruction at the national level. He alleged that the attempt to question his actions through income tax notices was a result of his outreach to underprivileged communities.

Banerjee announced that before Durga Puja, every beneficiary would receive a letter detailing how the BJP allegedly tried to stop their pensions. This letter campaign is aimed at informing people about the situation around the disbursal of welfare benefits. He maintained that the TMC government’s welfare schemes were continuing and that such communications would be part of their public engagement.

He also highlighted the progress under the ‘Sebashray’ programme in Diamond Harbour, claiming that ₹1.5 crore worth of work is being carried out each day in the region. A 700-page report documenting the work funded through his MP Local Area Development Scheme between 2014 and 2025 has been released under the title Nishabdo Biplab. Banerjee challenged other MPs to match the scale and duration of his welfare initiatives.

During the event, he claimed that in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, BJP would be reduced to below 50 seats. He also referred to the use of central agencies like CBI, ED, and Income Tax against him and reiterated that such actions would not stop him from continuing his work. Banerjee said he listens to the people of Bengal and not to directives from Delhi.