What Sparked the Political Clash Over PM Modi's Comments on Bengal's Trinamool Government?

Kolkata, May 28 (NationPress) A day prior to the twin events featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Alipurduar district of West Bengal on Thursday—one being political and the other administrative—a fierce political clash has emerged surrounding these events.

The confrontation was ignited on Wednesday when the Prime Minister shared two consecutive updates on X regarding the upcoming programs in Alipurduar.

In the first post, he highlighted the administrative event that will precede his political rally on the same day.

“It is always a pleasure to engage with the people of West Bengal. During a program in Alipurduar tomorrow, 29th May, 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,” read the first message from the official X handle of the Prime Minister.

In his subsequent update, the Prime Minister discussed the political rally at Alipurduar, where he mentioned the alleged hardships faced by the people of West Bengal due to widespread corruption.

“I will be addressing a BJP public meeting in Alipurduar tomorrow afternoon. Over the last decade, the various schemes implemented by the NDA Government have been well received by the populace of West Bengal. Simultaneously, they are weary of the corruption and inadequate administration from the TMC,” the Prime Minister stated on X.

Shortly after, the All India Trinamool Congress responded via their official X handle, indirectly labeling the Prime Minister as a “migratory bird” visiting West Bengal.

“As the migratory birds arrive in Bengal, we pose a straightforward question: Why does the Centre continue to withhold Bengal’s rightful dues amounting to ₹1.7 lakh crore?” the reply from the Trinamool Congress read.

In response to this online altercation, Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh criticized the Prime Minister for “needlessly” targeting the Trinamool Congress, noting that the ruling party has supported all initiatives from the Union Government concerning the evolving India-Pakistan conflict.

“Such remarks from the Prime Minister demonstrate a narrow political perspective, particularly when our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has emphasized the importance of unity among all political forces regarding national security, and when members of the multi-party delegation, including our general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, are abroad clarifying India’s stance on the conflict. If the Prime Minister continues his political attacks against the Trinamool Congress, we will respond appropriately,” Ghosh asserted.

Former BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha remarked that corruption in West Bengal has escalated to such a level that no political figure, except for those from the Trinamool Congress, can avoid commenting on it. “Therefore, it is natural for the Prime Minister, as the executive head of the nation, to address such corrupt practices,” Sinha added.