Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, currently on a visit to West Bengal, on Sunday, 15 November 2026, launched a sharp attack on the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging it functioned “more like the government of Bangladesh.” Sirsa accused the former dispensation of appeasement, dynastic politics, and large-scale corruption.

Sirsa's Charges Against the Previous TMC Regime

Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Sirsa alleged, “The previous government under Mamata Banerjee was more like the government of Bangladesh. It was marked by appeasement, dynastic politics and looting. One family looted Bengal with both hands. That is why the people here brought about a change.”

Sirsa further claimed that the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state has begun reversing what he described as years of misrule. “Those involved in extortion are being sent to jail, and no one is being spared. The biggest thing is that the dignity of the people of Bengal has been restored,” he asserted.

Chhath Puja and Religious Freedom Claims

Sirsa also alleged that the celebration of Chhath Puja had been effectively criminalised under the previous administration. “Today, everyone can celebrate their religious occasions freely. Currently, so many people, mothers and sisters, are celebrating the Chhath Puja here, which had become a crime under the regime of the previous Mamata government,” he said. The remarks are likely to reignite debate over the state’s handling of religious observances during the TMC tenure — a charge the party has consistently denied.

Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh Targets Awas Yojana Irregularities

Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh separately alleged that widespread corruption had taken place across several Central government schemes during the previous Trinamool Congress regime. He claimed around 12,500 beneficiaries who each received ₹1,20,000 under the Awas Yojana scheme — locally branded ‘Banglar Bari’ — were found to be ineligible. “We have issued letters seeking the recovery of the funds. If they fail to return the money, legal action will be taken,” Ghosh warned.

TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Row and Police Conduct

Ghosh also responded to allegations by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee — widely seen as a close aide and relative of Mamata Banerjee — who accused police of filing fresh FIRs against him at the ruling party’s behest. “At that time (previous regime), the police used to work on their orders. They encroached upon and occupied the road. Now, as the police are taking action against it, they are accusing the force of working on the BJP’s orders,” Ghosh countered.

Ghosh also addressed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s hospital visit to meet police personnel injured in a shooting incident, saying the morale of the force had suffered for years under the previous government. “If the police do not remain safe, do not get respect, and do not have the authority to work, then how will the administration function properly? Our government has given a free hand to the police. Those still attempting to intimidate the police won’t be spared,” he stated.

Broader Political Context

The remarks come amid a continuing political battle between the BJP and TMC over governance of West Bengal. The BJP, which wrested power from TMC in the state, has used its early months in office to highlight what it describes as the institutional decay left behind by the Banerjee administration. TMC leaders have yet to formally respond to the latest round of allegations. The BJP’s language — drawing a comparison with Bangladesh — is unusually sharp and signals an attempt to frame the narrative around minority appeasement ahead of potential by-elections. How the electorate responds to these claims, and whether independent investigations corroborate the financial irregularities cited by Ghosh, will determine the staying power of this political offensive.