The Aryavarth Express
Agency(West Bengal): Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, the Congress launched a scathing critique of the Modi administration, alleging a vindictive stance towards the state following the BJP’s defeat in the 2021 elections. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, condemned the perceived neglect and punitive measures against West Bengal, stressing that the state’s populace has endured significant hardship under Modi’s governance.
Ramesh accused the central government of withholding crucial funds and support for various state projects and welfare schemes, including MGNREGS, PMAY, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, following the BJP’s electoral loss. He pointed to the central government’s outstanding dues to West Bengal, totaling over Rs 1.15 lakh crore, as evidence of this alleged vindictiveness.
The Congress leader questioned the Modi government’s commitment to resolving the long-standing demands of the Gorkha community in Darjeeling, noting the BJP’s repeated electoral promises and subsequent inaction. He highlighted the Congress’s efforts in establishing the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council as concrete steps towards addressing regional grievances.
Additionally, Ramesh drew attention to the BJP’s recruitment of leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) who were under investigation by central agencies, suggesting a selective approach to anti-corruption enforcement. He called out the apparent halt in CBI and ED actions against these leaders post their induction into the BJP, challenging Modi’s anti-corruption rhetoric.