Did Abhishek Banerjee Criticize HM Amit Shah Over His 'Better Government' Remark?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Abhishek Banerjee criticizes Amit Shah's remarks on West Bengal's future government, questioning the release of central funds and highlighting the recognition of Durga Puja. This tension reflects ongoing political battles in the state as elections approach.
Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Banerjee openly criticizes Amit Shah's statement about a better government.
- Questions raised regarding the Rs 2,00,000 crore of central funds.
- Durga Puja gains UNESCO recognition, contrasting BJP claims.
- Campaign strategies for the upcoming elections are being formulated.
- The political landscape of West Bengal remains highly contested.
Kolkata, Sep 26 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee expressed strong disapproval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement regarding an improved government in West Bengal following the upcoming Assembly elections next year.
During the inauguration of a community Durga Puja pandal at Santosh Mitra Square in central Kolkata, Shah stated, "I prayed to Maa Durga so that after the Assembly elections next year, the people of West Bengal get such a government which would lead the state towards prosperity. Let peace return in West Bengal. Let us create Bengal in the way imagined by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore."
In response, Banerjee remarked, “HM Amit Shah should first clarify when the Rs 2,00,000 crore of Central funds will be released. Their actions reveal they are anti-Bengal and anti-Bengali, and our fight against these stances will persist.”
Mocking Shah's comments about the popularity of Durga Puja in West Bengal, Banerjee asserted that the Home Minister should retract and apologize for previous statements claiming that the festival was not celebrated in the region.
“Today, he inaugurates a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, yet five years ago, he claimed there were no Durga Pujas in Bengal. Now, Bengal’s Durga Puja has received recognition from UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage site, a distinction no festival from BJP-ruled states has achieved,” Banerjee added.
On Thursday, BJP national president J.P. Nadda announced that Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav would lead the party's campaign for the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for next year.
Additionally, former Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb has been appointed as Yadav's deputy. A formal notification was released by the party’s central leadership on Thursday.
Sources within the party's state committee in West Bengal indicated that Yadav and Deb would soon meet with top state party leaders to devise an initial campaign strategy.
Earlier this month, a “coordination meeting” involving the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leadership and state BJP leadership took place in Kolkata, focusing on the upcoming state assembly elections.
Point of View
The ongoing political rivalry in West Bengal highlights the complexities of regional governance and the importance of accountability from central authorities. Both parties must engage constructively to ensure the welfare of the citizens.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Abhishek Banerjee say about Amit Shah's comments?
Abhishek Banerjee criticized Amit Shah for claiming there would be a better government in West Bengal after the elections, questioning the release of central funds and highlighting the recognition of Durga Puja.
Why did Banerjee mention the Rs 2,00,000 crore?
He mentioned this amount to emphasize the need for accountability regarding the central funds that have not yet been released to West Bengal.
What recognition did Durga Puja receive?
Durga Puja in West Bengal has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage site.
Who is leading the BJP's campaign for the upcoming West Bengal elections?
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has been appointed as the in-charge of the BJP's campaign for the crucial West Bengal Assembly polls.
What is the significance of the ongoing political tensions?
The tensions reflect the larger political dynamics at play as West Bengal approaches its Assembly elections, influencing public sentiment and governance.
