The ongoing war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) shows no signs of abating. This time, the focus has shifted to budget allocation and utilization in West Bengal, with Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista launching a scathing attack on the TMC government.
MP Bista highlighted that the annual budget of West Bengal is ₹3.78 lakh crore, while the North Bengal Development Board (NBDD) receives ₹860 crore. However, he claimed that only 50% of these funds are actually utilized. Bista’s remarks extended to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), accusing them of looting resources and treating people as second-class citizens.
In his statement, Bista emphasized, “Only 50% of the allocated funds are used in West Bengal.” Our correspondent provides more insights on this intensifying political confrontation.
The tension over budget allocation has been a longstanding issue. The BJP has previously criticized the union government’s budget, and now the focus is on West Bengal’s state budget. Darjeeling’s BJP MP Raju Bista has been particularly vocal, condemning the state government’s handling of funds. He pointed out that despite the substantial annual budget, a significant portion of the allocated money for North Bengal remains unused.
Bista further criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asserting that the TMC’s leadership does not effectively reflect the will of the people. He reiterated that while West Bengal boasts rich resources and a vibrant culture, which contribute significantly to the state’s tax revenue, the government’s inefficiency hampers progress.
As the debate rages on, the political landscape in West Bengal remains charged with accusations and counter-accusations, highlighting the deep-seated divisions between the BJP and TMC.