TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee Defends Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme in Bengal
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee delivered a strong message at a roadshow in Chapra, Nadia, on Sunday. He declared that no one can stop the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme in West Bengal. Banerjee sharpened his attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over welfare programs and voter verification processes.
Banerjee Asserts Lakshmir Bhandar as a Right, Not Charity
Addressing a large crowd, Abhishek Banerjee stated clearly that Lakshmir Bhandar is not a charity. He emphasized it is a right earned by the women of Bengal. Banerjee warned that any attempt to interfere with this scheme would face strong political resistance.
"They want to stop Lakshmir Bhandar for our mothers and sisters," Banerjee said. "BJP workers are even urging husbands to lock up wives who receive Lakshmir Bhandar money. But remember, as long as Mamata Banerjee's government is in the state, no one can stop Lakshmir Bhandar. It is they who should be locked up instead."
He noted that even in constituencies where TMC lost elections, mothers and sisters continue to receive Lakshmir Bhandar benefits. This shows the scheme's widespread implementation across Bengal.
Allegations of Voter Verification Misuse and Fund Withholding
Banerjee accused the BJP of misusing the Special Intensive Revision process to harass voters and suppress dissent. He claimed approximately 1.3 lakh people in Bengal received SIR notices. While similar exercises in other states led to mass deletions of voter names, Bengal recorded the lowest deletions.
According to Banerjee, this prompted renewed pressure from the Election Commission to delete more names from Bengal's voter lists. He framed this as an attempt to undermine democratic participation in the state.
The TMC leader also alleged corruption in BJP-governed gram panchayats in Tehatta. He cited specific irregularities in drain construction projects and the implementation of the 100-day work scheme.
Political Punishment Claims and Historical References
Banerjee asserted that the BJP is punishing Bengal by withholding central funds following electoral defeats. He specifically mentioned funds for roads and housing schemes being stopped.
"The BJP was defeated, so they are punishing the common people by stopping funds," Banerjee stated. "They were defeated in 2024, so they want to snatch away votes. Then the Prime Minister says change is necessary."
Drawing a historical parallel, Banerjee questioned the BJP's approach: "When even Lord Curzon failed to divide Bengal in 1905 on communal lines, what can Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah do?"
The TMC leader's speech highlighted ongoing political tensions in Bengal regarding welfare schemes, voter rights, and central-state relations. His remarks reflect the continuing battle between TMC and BJP over governance and electoral strategies in the state.
