Did LoP Adhikari Challenge CM Mamata on West Bengal's Debt?
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Synopsis
Suvendu Adhikari's comments during the Bengal Global Business Summit bring attention to West Bengal's mounting debt. His criticisms challenge CM Mamata Banerjee's portrayal of the state as an investment-friendly region, emphasizing the financial burden on its citizens.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal's debt has reached Rs 7.71 lakh crore.
- Debt per capita for newborns is Rs 76,766.
- 38% of state revenue is spent on debt repayment.
- Infrastructure sectors are critically underfunded.
- 6,688 companies have migrated from West Bengal.
Kolkata, Dec 18 (NationPress) During the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)-2025 on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee touted the state as a premier investment hub over the last 15 years under the Trinamool Congress government. However, Leader of Opposition (LoP) and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari countered her claims by highlighting the staggering accumulated debt that has accrued during this time.
Following Chief Minister Banerjee's address, LoP Adhikari pointed out that the state is now burdened with a debt of Rs 7.71 lakh crore. This represents a significant increase of 305 percent since Banerjee first took office in 2011, translating to a per capita debt of Rs 76,766 for every newborn in West Bengal.
According to Adhikari, the financial strain is evident, as 38 percent of the state's revenue goes towards debt repayment, which breaches the guidelines established under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act of 2003.
He criticized the allocation of funds to important infrastructure sectors such as roads (2.2 percent), energy (1.2 percent), and irrigation (1.7 percent), stating that these areas are deteriorating.
Adhikari accused Banerjee of squandering Rs 1.07 lakh crore on populist measures over the last three years, undermining real economic growth.
He also provided data on the exodus of businesses from West Bengal, noting that 6,688 companies relocated to states like Maharashtra and Gujarat during the Trinamool Congress's governance.
“Is the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) merely a Rs 24 lakh crore illusion, achieving only three percent of its goals? The ghosts of Singur linger – barren fields and lost jobs while she flaunts dubious memorandums of understanding (MoUs),” he stated.
Furthermore, he referenced a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, which allegedly disclosed a “loot” characterized by understated deficits, hidden debts, and rampant corruption.
“Our youth leave as ‘Parijayi Shramik’, while Mamata Banerjee's trips abroad yield ZERO results. West Bengal deserves a genuine economic revival, job creation, and industrial growth, not fiscal deceit,” concluded LoP Adhikari.
Point of View
The discourse around West Bengal's financial situation highlights the complexities of governance and economic management. While the Trinamool Congress government promotes the state as an investment hub, the opposition raises crucial concerns about fiscal responsibility and debt sustainability. The concerns voiced by LoP Adhikari reflect broader anxieties about economic growth and governance that warrant attention.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main focus of Suvendu Adhikari's statement at the summit?
Suvendu Adhikari focused on the high accumulated debt of West Bengal, criticizing CM Mamata Banerjee's management of the state's finances.
How much has the state's debt increased since 2011?
The state's debt has increased by 305 percent since Mamata Banerjee took office in 2011.
What are the allocations for infrastructure sectors mentioned?
Infrastructure sectors such as roads, energy, and irrigation have received 2.2%, 1.2%, and 1.7% budget allocations, respectively.
What did Adhikari say about the migration of companies?
Adhikari claimed that 6,688 companies have relocated from West Bengal to states like Maharashtra and Gujarat during the Trinamool Congress's tenure.
How did Adhikari characterize the Bengal Global Business Summit?
He characterized it as a Rs 24 lakh crore mirage, achieving only three percent of its goals.
