What sparked the political clash over PM Modi's remarks on Bengal's Trinamool government?

Synopsis
A political clash has ensued as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for two events in Alipurduar, West Bengal. His remarks on corruption have drawn sharp responses from the Trinamool Congress, highlighting ongoing tensions between the central government and the state's ruling party. The situation raises questions about accountability and governance in the region.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's visit highlights the ongoing political tensions in West Bengal.
- The City Gas Distribution project aims to improve local infrastructure.
- The Trinamool Congress has raised concerns over financial dues from the central government.
- Political responses illustrate the divide between state and central governance.
- Corruption remains a significant issue affecting political discourse.
Kolkata, May 28 (NationPress) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his dual engagements in Alipurduar district of West Bengal on Thursday—one being political and the other administrative—a political clash has emerged surrounding these events.
The tension began on Wednesday when the Prime Minister shared two consecutive posts on X regarding his upcoming events in Alipurduar.
In his initial post, the Prime Minister highlighted the administrative event in Alipurduar, which will take place just before his political rally on the same day.
“It is a joy to be among the people of West Bengal. At a program in Alipurduar tomorrow afternoon, May 29th, I will lay the foundation stone for the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. This initiative will benefit numerous households, enhance the environment, and create job opportunities for residents,” the first message from the Prime Minister’s official X account stated.
In his follow-up post, the Prime Minister addressed the political rally in Alipurduar, where he pointed out the alleged hardships faced by the people of West Bengal due to widespread corruption.
“I will be speaking at a BJP West Bengal public meeting in Alipurduar tomorrow afternoon. Over the past decade, the various initiatives of the NDA Government have been well received by the people of West Bengal. Meanwhile, they are weary of the corruption and inadequate administration by the TMC,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Almost immediately, the All India Trinamool Congress responded to the Prime Minister’s second message through the party’s official X channel, indirectly referring to him as a “migratory bird” visiting West Bengal.
“As migratory birds visit Bengal for the season, why doesn’t he answer a simple question: Why is the Centre still withholding Bengal’s rightful dues of Rs 1.7 lakh crore?” the Trinamool Congress tweeted in response.
Commenting on this social media exchange, Kunal Ghosh, state general secretary of Trinamool Congress, accused the Prime Minister of “unnecessarily” targeting Trinamool Congress while the ruling party has supported all Union Government initiatives regarding the evolving India-Pakistan conflict.
“Such remarks from the Prime Minister demonstrate a narrow political perspective, particularly when our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has advocated for unity among all political entities concerning national security. If the Prime Minister attacks Trinamool Congress politically, he will receive a fitting response,” Ghosh stated.
Rahul Sinha, former national secretary of the BJP, remarked that the level of corruption in West Bengal has reached such an alarming threshold that no political figure aside from those in Trinamool Congress could avoid commenting on the issue. “Thus, it is only natural for the Prime Minister, as the executive head of the country, to reference such corruption,” Sinha added.