Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a sharp rebuke against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during his visit to the state on Thursday, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of prioritizing politics over progress.
Criticizing Banerjee for her absence from the recent NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi, Modi stated, “TMC is focused on playing politics round the clock. Development of West Bengal and the nation’s growth are not on their agenda. The Central Government’s welfare schemes are not being implemented effectively in the state.”
He further alleged that the TMC government has blocked 16 major infrastructure projects in the state, which were scheduled for completion last year.
Expanding his criticism, Modi accused the TMC of being indifferent—and even hostile—toward marginalized communities, including the poor, tribals, Dalits, women, and backward classes.
“The development of tribal communities is being deliberately obstructed. TMC has shown disregard for tribal dignity—remember, when the NDA nominated a tribal woman as a presidential candidate for the first time, TMC was the first to oppose it,” he said.
Modi also condemned the TMC for blocking central welfare schemes. “Why is TMC hostile towards the poor, Dalits, women, and the backward classes?” he asked. “The people of Bengal have been denied the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The state government refused to distribute Ayushman cards. Many poor families still don’t have proper housing because TMC leaders demand cuts and commissions from them.”
