Did PM Modi Overlook Bengal's Concerns?
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Synopsis
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sharply criticized PM Modi for his comments about West Bengal, claiming he has ignored the plight of the Matua refugee community amid the electoral roll deletions. This situation raises serious questions about citizenship and welfare in the state, highlighting the political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's remarks about West Bengal have sparked controversy.
- The Matua refugee community is facing significant challenges regarding citizenship.
- A total of 58,20,898 names were excluded from electoral rolls during the SIR process.
- The TMC has accused the Centre of blocking welfare initiatives.
- Political tensions are rising ahead of the upcoming elections.
Kolkata, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for labeling West Bengal as a “maha jungle raj”, claiming that his address exhibited a lack of concern for the Matua refugee community, which is currently facing turmoil due to the removal of names from the draft electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
During a press briefing, TMC spokesperson and state general secretary Kunal Ghosh stated that the Prime Minister’s comments were devoid of both vision and accountability.
“PM Modi has failed to acknowledge the issues faced by the Matuas. Members of this refugee group, who fled Bangladesh decades ago due to religious persecution, are now living in trepidation. The SIR exercise has instigated fears regarding their identity and citizenship,” Ghosh remarked.
As per official statistics, a total of 58,20,898 names have been omitted from West Bengal’s draft electoral rolls under the SIR, shrinking the electorate from 7.66 crore to 7.08 crore.
Ghosh also accused the Prime Minister of not addressing the incidents involving alleged Indian citizens being deported to Bangladesh by police in BJP-led states. He referenced the case of Sunali Khatun, a pregnant Bengali migrant woman who returned to India on December 6 after reportedly being pushed into Bangladesh in June, following judicial intervention.
He criticized the Centre for halting various welfare initiatives, stating that the Prime Minister did not clarify why funding for federal projects aimed at aiding the impoverished in Bengal has been blocked.
“Why has the Centre left the rural poor without housing? Why has the drinking water initiative been halted? The Mamata Banerjee government is utilizing its own resources to persist with these projects,” he stated.
Furthermore, CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty also rebuked the Prime Minister regarding the SIR process.
“PM Modi has come to realize that members of the Matua community are discontented with both the BJP and the TMC for treating them merely as a vote bank while neglecting their citizenship concerns. This is why he refrained from addressing their issues,” Chakraborty commented.
Senior Congress figure and former MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also criticized the Prime Minister, accusing him of only visiting Bengal ahead of elections.
“PM Modi engages in this behavior everywhere. He appears before elections and attempts to stir political tension with provocative statements. He shows no genuine concern for the welfare of Bengal’s residents,” Chowdhury remarked.
Earlier today, while addressing a virtual rally, PM Modi stated that just as the rule of the jungle has concluded in Bihar, the current era of terror in Bengal will also cease if the BJP assumes power.
Point of View
It's crucial to present a balanced perspective on the unfolding situation in Bengal. The criticisms directed at PM Modi highlight significant community concerns, particularly regarding citizenship and welfare. While political posturing is commonplace ahead of elections, the well-being of citizens must remain paramount. It's essential to ensure these voices are heard for a truly democratic process.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi say about West Bengal?
PM Modi referred to West Bengal as a 'maha jungle raj' during a rally, which has drawn criticism from the TMC for lacking concern for the state's issues.
What are the concerns of the Matua community?
The Matua community is facing uncertainty regarding their identity and citizenship after many names were removed from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision.
How many names were excluded from the electoral rolls?
According to reports, 58,20,898 names have been excluded from West Bengal's draft electoral rolls.
What has the TMC said about PM Modi's remarks?
The TMC claims that PM Modi's remarks show a lack of vision and responsibility, particularly concerning the welfare of the Matua community.
Why are welfare schemes in Bengal stalled?
The TMC alleges that the Centre has blocked funds for various central projects aimed at assisting the poor in Bengal.
