Trinamool's Abhishek Banerjee Sounds Alarm on Post-Election LPG Price Surge and BJP's Constitutional Agenda
In a fiery campaign address on Friday, Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of plotting to dramatically increase LPG cylinder prices to Rs 2,000 once the ongoing assembly elections conclude. The Diamond Harbour MP also warned that the BJP's push for a Uniform Civil Code represents a direct threat to India's constitutional framework and would disproportionately impact scheduled tribes.
Campaign Rally in Binpur Highlights UCC Concerns
Speaking at a political gathering in Binpur, a scheduled tribe-reserved constituency within Jhargram district, Banerjee pointed to the UCC legislation recently introduced in the Gujarat assembly as concrete evidence of the BJP's intentions. "If the Uniform Civil Code is implemented nationwide, scheduled tribes will bear the heaviest burden," he asserted during his campaign for sitting state minister Birbaha Hansda.
The Trinamool leader alleged that the BJP's ambitions extend far beyond electoral victories. "They are not satisfied with merely winning votes. They want to control every aspect of our lives—what we wear, what we eat, what we say. Only Trinamool Congress stands as a barrier against this authoritarian vision," Banerjee declared to the assembled crowd.
Price Hike Predictions and Political Challenges
At subsequent rallies in Kolaghat and Kulpi, Banerjee shifted focus to economic concerns, predicting severe inflation immediately following the election period. "The central government has temporarily frozen price increases until voting concludes. But I warn you—the very day after elections, LPG cylinders could skyrocket to Rs 2,000, with petrol and diesel potentially reaching Rs 200 per liter," he cautioned voters.
Issuing a direct challenge to national leadership, Banerjee stated: "I dare the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to publicly guarantee that no price hikes will occur after elections. If they make this promise, Trinamool will immediately withdraw all our candidates."
Questioning BJP's Development Record in West Bengal
Turning his criticism toward state-level opposition, Banerjee specifically targeted West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and questioned the BJP's accomplishments in regions like East Midnapore, where both state and central governments are BJP-led. "If anyone can demonstrate a single achievement by BJP at even one gram panchayat over recent years, I will cease asking for votes entirely," he challenged.
Confident Prediction on Election Outcomes
Displaying remarkable confidence in Trinamool's electoral prospects, Banerjee dismissed the influence of central agencies and administrative changes. "Trinamool will secure more than 250 assembly seats, while BJP will struggle to cross 50. Ultimately, it is the people who decide elections—not the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation, or Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar," he proclaimed.
The leader emphasized that voter decisions are already finalized regardless of last-minute administrative adjustments, positioning Trinamool as the inevitable choice for West Bengal's future governance.
