Kolkata: Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Saturday released a political “chargesheet” against the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, accusing it of corruption, political violence and administrative failure ahead of the Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah also defended the Election Commission’s decision to transfer IAS and IPS officers in the state before the polls. He said such transfers were routine during elections but claimed the number was higher in West Bengal due to concerns about administrative neutrality.
Shah alleged that several officials in the state were functioning under political influence and said administrative changes had helped improve law and order during recent Ram Navami processions.
He also criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, questioning why the process had faced resistance only in West Bengal.
Sharpening the BJP’s campaign line, Shah accused the state government of failing to control infiltration, corruption and political violence during its years in power. He said the BJP would present its roadmap for governance during the election campaign.
TMC responds with counter allegations
The Trinamool Congress responded strongly to Shah’s remarks, with senior leaders Mahua Moitra, Bratya Basu and Kirti Azad addressing a separate press conference.
The TMC leaders questioned the BJP-led Union government’s record on internal security and asked why issues such as violence in Manipur had not been resolved despite the Centre being in power.
Mahua Moitra questioned the BJP’s criticism of women’s safety in West Bengal and asked about conditions in BJP-ruled states.
State minister Bratya Basu also questioned the Centre’s handling of infiltration, arguing that border management falls under the Union government’s responsibility.
The TMC accused the BJP of politicising the issue of illegal immigration while not taking adequate administrative action despite being in power at the Centre for several years.
Campaign heats up
The exchange of allegations comes as political activity increases in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, with both parties sharpening their campaign narratives on governance, security and administration.
Political observers say the campaign is expected to see strong exchanges between the BJP and TMC as both parties attempt to consolidate voter support.
