15 March (TSP Bangla) – The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday launched a strong counterattack against the BJP, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at the Brigade Parade Ground as a “B-grade rally”.
Soon after the Prime Minister’s address, senior TMC leaders and state ministers Bratya Basu and Shashi Panja, along with Jadavpur MP Saayoni Ghosh, addressed a press conference at the party headquarters, Trinamool Bhavan. They levelled a series of allegations against the BJP-led central government, accusing it of indulging in political theatrics, cultural appropriation, administrative neglect and promoting divisive politics.
Shashi Panja sharply criticised the rally, calling it “B-grade”, while Saayoni Ghosh questioned Modi’s absence from Parliament during recent national issues. She said it was “shocking” that the Prime Minister had stayed away from Parliament for weeks despite controversies such as the SIR issue and the LPG supply crisis, but appeared in Kolkata as a campaigner for his party.
Ghosh also accused the Centre of failing to address a “serious shortage” of LPG cylinders, allegedly caused by the West Asia conflict. She claimed that eateries were shutting down and consumers were forced to stand in long queues. In this context, the TMC questioned how a large number of domestic LPG cylinders were arranged at the Brigade rally venue.
The party also took aim at what it described as the BJP’s attempt to showcase a connection with Bengal’s culture. Referring to a replica of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple at the venue, Ghosh termed it a sign of “cultural bankruptcy”. She said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not need replicas of religious sites to demonstrate her connection with people from different communities.
Continuing her attack, Ghosh alleged that the Centre was adopting a “double standard” towards Bengal, even as Modi inaugurated projects worth over ₹18,000 crore in the state on the same day. She claimed that several central funds meant for welfare schemes remained unpaid.
According to her, despite the Centre’s responsibility to fund the 100-days job scheme under MGNREGA, the state government was currently paying wages to beneficiaries. She further alleged delays in the release of funds under schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and rural road projects.
Ghosh claimed that the total dues to Bengal from the Centre under various schemes amounted to nearly ₹2 lakh crore. She asserted that the people of the state were aware of the BJP’s “political motives” and would respond in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Responding to BJP’s criticism of unemployment in Bengal, Ghosh argued that joblessness was higher in several BJP-ruled states. She cited figures to claim that unemployment in Bengal was around 3.2 per cent, lower than states like Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The TMC leadership also referred to reports by human rights organisations, alleging a rise in crimes against women across the country during the BJP’s tenure. Ghosh further criticised the Prime Minister’s foreign policy, accusing him of showing weakness in dealing with former US President Donald Trump.
Bratya Basu, meanwhile, accused the BJP of trying to create unrest in Bengal to gain political ground. He also alleged that Modi’s speeches targeted minority communities and warned that such rhetoric could push politics towards authoritarianism.
The TMC leaders also mocked the BJP’s slogan “Paltano dorkar” (change is needed), saying the party should first change its own approach if it wanted to connect with the people of Bengal.
