Did Abhishek Banerjee Just Criticize Demonetisation and SIR for Public Inconvenience?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent rally, Abhishek Banerjee condemned the longstanding practice of forcing citizens to queue, linking it to demonetisation and the current SIR exercise. He highlighted the BJP's actions, contrasting them with the Trinamool Congress's commitment to public service, irrespective of political outcomes. This fierce critique raises important questions about governance and accountability in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Banerjee criticizes BJP's queue-inducing policies.
- Links demonetisation to current public inconveniences.
- Stresses the importance of public service over politics.
- Contrasts BJP's freezing of funds with Trinamool Congress's ongoing development.
- Calls out BJP's negligence during natural disasters.
Kolkata, Jan 3 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Union government for their tendency to make citizens wait in lines, referencing the demonetisation of 2016 and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal. He stated on Saturday, “Nearly a decade ago, the current Union government compelled citizens to queue up under the pretext of tackling black money. In truth, the amount of black money surged post-demonetisation. Now, after ten years, they have again forced citizens to wait in line under the guise of SIR. Previously, citizens elected their government, but now it seems the government is choosing its voters.” This address took place at a public rally in Alipurduar, marking Banerjee's second rally of the New Year, with the first occurring in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, on Friday.
During his speech, he also harshly criticized the Union government for allegedly withholding funds from West Bengal, specifically freezing allocations under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), affecting the state's 100-day job scheme.
“This distinction between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress is evident. The BJP retaliates against states where they face losses by freezing development funds. Conversely, the Trinamool Congress continues its development initiatives even in areas where they have lost. For example, despite losing in Alipurduar during both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the state government has not halted development activities there; our welfare schemes persist,” he remarked.
Banerjee further accused BJP representatives from Alipurduar of being negligent during the severe floods and landslides in north Bengal earlier this year. “Our leaders were present to assist. We believe that public service transcends political affiliations. Now, as Assembly elections draw near, they reemerge, always driven by political motivations,” he stated.
He likened the BJP to a snake, saying, “You may keep two snakes as pets, but eventually, they will bite. The BJP is like that snake.”
Point of View
It’s crucial to observe that Abhishek Banerjee's critique of the BJP's policies underscores significant concerns about governance, accountability, and public service in West Bengal. His statements reflect a growing frustration among citizens about the perceived disconnect between political actions and the needs of the populace.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Abhishek Banerjee's main criticism of the BJP?
He criticized the BJP for creating public inconvenience through policies like demonetisation and the SIR exercise, forcing citizens to wait in queues.
What does SIR stand for?
SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision, which is currently being implemented in West Bengal.
How did Banerjee compare the BJP to a snake?
He likened the BJP to a snake that, even if kept as a pet, will eventually bite, implying that their actions are ultimately harmful.
What is MGNREGA?
MGNREGA stands for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which provides legal guarantee for at least 100 days of unskilled wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
What does Banerjee say about development in areas where the Trinamool Congress lost?
He stated that despite losing in certain areas, the Trinamool Congress continues its development initiatives, unlike the BJP.
