Ahead of 2026 Bengal Assembly elections, TMC to campaign success of Banglar Bari scheme
Following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's disbursement of the second instalment under the Banglar Bari housing scheme for 12 lakh beneficiaries, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders took to social media to highlight the initiative's scale, financial details, and the state's 'commitment' to housing for all.
With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, TMC plans to take the success of Banglar Bari to the grassroots level. Party leaders will stress that despite the Central government stopping funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) over two years ago, the state independently implemented Banglar Bari. In the first phase, homes were provided to 12 lakh families, while the second phase will cover another 16 lakh.
Announcing the latest disbursement, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X: 'We are proud that our state government, entirely with its own funds, is providing… Rs 1,20,000 per family in two instalments under the 'Banglar Bari (Gramin)' scheme to 12 lakh poor and eligible families… The first instalment (of) Rs 7,200 crore was disbursed last December. Today, the second instalment of Rs 7,200 crore has begun being directly credited to their bank accounts. Thus, I am happy to say our government has spent a total of Rs 14,400 crore from its own funds for the construction of houses under this scheme. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone.'
She added that another 16 lakh families will receive housing assistance—first instalments in December this year, and the second in May 2026.
Commenting on the state's independent approach, AITC leader Kunal Ghosh said, 'When Delhi creates roadblocks, Bengal finds its own path to become swanirbhar. The Centre withheld MGNREGA funds, yet Mamata Banerjee released Rs 3,700 crore from the state treasury to 59 lakh job card-holders. Similarly, when Awas Yojana funds were blocked, she launched Banglar Bari—a fully state-funded scheme—to provide homes to 12 lakh people. That's why we say: Mamata Banerjee's guarantee means 100% warranty.'
Referring to the party's protest in Delhi over withheld Central funds, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose said, 'When our leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, went to Delhi to demand Bengal's dues, they were harassed. But Bengal will not bow to the Modi government's anti-Bengal attitude. Despite the Centre withholding Awas Yojana funds, the state is disbursing money under Banglar Bari to 12 lakh families.'
The party's official handle posted on X: 'Bengal is self-reliant. We don't need the Centre's charity. With Awas Yojana funds frozen by the Modi government, (CM Banerjee) launched Banglar Bari. Now, the second instalment of Rs 60,000 is being rolled out to 12 lakh families, totaling Rs 14,400 crore.'
A senior TMC leader said, 'We believe this campaign will resonate with poorer communities in remote areas. People who've received houses will support TMC, and we expect our vote share to rise.'
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