TMC says PM Modi avoids mentioning ‘Ram Bhagwan’ in Bengal rallies now

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Kunal Ghosh and Chandrima Bhattacharya criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his recent visit to Bengal and Bihar, raising objections to his comments on religious references, central dues, and a central advisory on food. Ghosh pointed out that despite BJP’s consistent emphasis on Lord Ram across the country, Modi did not mention Ram even once during his speech in Bengal. Instead, he invoked the names of Durga and Kali. “Since he came to Bengal, he avoided taking Ram’s name even once,” Ghosh said during a press conference.

The party also reacted to the Prime Minister’s comments in Bihar where he said that districts like Jalpaiguri could be developed like Jaipur, and Birbhum like Bengaluru. In response, Kunal Ghosh said, “During the Left regime, no one would go to places like Jalpaiguri. Today, the hills and Dooars have developed as tourism destinations.” He added that areas like Gaur Banga, Rarh Banga, Sundarbans, and Jangalmahal have seen infrastructure growth under the present state government.

The TMC leaders also addressed a recent advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry to central educational institutions, asking them to discourage the consumption of foods like samosas and jalebis. According to the advisory, institutions must display calorie, sugar, and trans-fat details of such foods and put up warning posters in canteens. In protest, TMC leaders laid out a plate of fish fry, samosa, and jalebi during their press conference. Chandrima Bhattacharya said, “What someone eats is their personal choice. If food quality is fine, what’s the objection?”

Kunal Ghosh also alleged that Prime Minister Modi misled people about central funding in Bengal. He claimed that the Centre owes the state over ₹1.7 lakh crore, including dues from schemes like 100 days' work and housing. “He is not releasing visible dues but has shown ₹5,000 crore in invisible schemes. This is not charity. He has denied funds the state is owed,” Ghosh said.

TMC further alleged that the Prime Minister did not address unemployment, women's safety, or the status of pending funds during his visit. The party stated that it would continue to raise these issues, including the handling of food policies, tourism development, and federal financial responsibilities, as the state heads towards the 2026 Assembly elections.