"Bengal runs by bombs, not law", says Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha

Replying to the budget discussion in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a robust defense of the Union Budget 2026, specifically addressing the interests of West Bengal. Countering TMC MP Saugata Roy’s claim that the state was ignored, the Finance Minister emphasized that West Bengal is a cornerstone of the "Purvodaya Plan." She highlighted the East Coast Industrial Corridor, with Durgapur serving as its vital industrial anchor, and the new Varanasi to Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor, which is set to revolutionize connectivity for North Bengal by reducing travel time to under three hours.

Addressing the industrial sector, Sitharaman detailed how the National Fibre Scheme would provide a lifeline to the thousands of workers in Bengal's jute industry. She also noted that the state's leather and textile sectors would benefit significantly from new duty-free import schemes and dedicated export incentives. Furthermore, she invited the state government to participate in the development of five major tourist destinations identified under the Purvodaya scheme, aimed at modernizing Bengal's tourism infrastructure.

The Finance Minister specifically reached out to the Jangal Mahal region, announcing that the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on tendu leaves has been reduced from 5% to 3%, a move directly benefiting tribal collectors. She challenged the state government to show initiative in industrial growth, questioning why the TMC administration had not moved to establish a chemical park near the existing Haldia unit despite central support schemes. She said that West Bengal is run by bombs and not law, arguing that it hinders the implementation of development projects.

In a direct rebuttal to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Sitharaman dismissed allegations of "GST on everything." She clarified that essential items like milk, education, books, and stationery have remained at zero GST since the regime's inception in 2017. Expressing disappointment over the "distorted presentation of facts," she reiterated the Centre's commitment to cooperative federalism, provided the state governments cooperate on law and order to ensure that central schemes and investments reach the intended beneficiaries without interruption.