Ahead of PM visit, TMC lashes out at Centre over ‘stepmotherly attitude' towards state

Indian Express

2 days ago

A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled public meeting and rally at Alipurduar in North West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday lashed out at the Centre over its 'step-motherly attitude' towards the state. They also alleged that the BJP has no intention to develop North Bengal.
Dubbing the PM's scheduled visit as the 'first pre-election migratory trip' before the 2026 Assembly polls, the TMC fired the opening salvo, demanding answers on the state's longstanding grievance: 'Where is Bengal's money?'
Taking to their social media handle on X, the TMC posted, 'Since the migratory birds are making their seasonal visit to Bengal, why not answer one simple question: Why is the Centre still withholding Bengal's rightful dues amounting to ₹1.7 lakh crore? #AayeHoTohBataKeJao'.
'Interestingly, the Bengal BJP unit recently received a major jolt from Alipurduar after former BJP MP John Barla joined AITC, accusing BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari of stalling development in the region,' it further wrote.
With the hashtag #AayeHoTohBataKeJao, the TMC has set the tone for a pointed campaign, demanding answers from the Centre on issues affecting Bengal, as the political slugfest heats up ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
Earlier in the day, the TMC also shared details of development initiatives undertaken in Alipurduar under the Government of West Bengal led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
'Alipurduar is witnessing a new era of growth and progress under the dynamic leadership of Smt. @MamataOfficial. Driven by her unwavering commitment to people-first governance and inclusive development, Didi continues to reshape the region's future,' the party posted on X, while sharing visuals of the CM's recent visit to North Bengal.
The prime minister on Thursday, will lay the foundation stone for an Rs 1,010-crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts in the state and later address a public rally in Alipurduar, BJP leaders said on Wednesday.
'I will be addressing a BJP West Bengal public meeting in Alipurduar tomorrow afternoon. Over the last decade, the various schemes of the NDA government have been greatly appreciated by the people of West Bengal. At the same time, they are tired of the corruption and poor administration of the TMC. @BJP4Bengal,' PM Modi posted on X.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday visited the Bhowanipore Shitala Temple in Kolkata. 'Your religion belongs to you, but festivals are for everyone. Bengal stands as a symbol of harmony, where temples, mosques, and gurudwaras walk the path of unity. Each region has its own spirit, but together we celebrate as one,' CM Banerjee said.
Atri Mitra is a Special Correspondent of The Indian Express with more than 20 years of experience in reporting from West Bengal, Bihar and the North-East. He has been covering administration and political news for more than ten years and has a keen interest in political development in West Bengal.
Atri holds a Master degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University and Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. He is also an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.
He started his career with leading vernacular daily the Anandabazar Patrika, and worked there for more than fifteen years. He worked as Bihar correspondent for more than three years for Anandabazar Patrika. He covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections. He also worked with News18-Bangla and covered the Bihar Lok Sabha election in 2019. ... Read More