Finance Minister Blames TMC for West Bengal's Industrial and Societal Fall

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a recent interaction with prominent personalities in West Bengal, levelled serious accusations against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, highlighting issues of industrial decline, societal degradation, and rampant corruption. Sitharaman contrasted the current state of affairs under the TMC's rule with that of the previous Left regime, noting a significant downturn in the condition of West Bengal.

According to Sitharaman, the slogan of 'Maa, Mati, Manush' (Mother, Land, and People) championed by the TMC has been tarnished due to the party's governance, with women, land, and people suffering under its rule. She pointed out that West Bengal's monthly per capita expenditure is among the lowest in the country, ranking sixth and eighth from the bottom in rural and urban areas respectively. This situation is attributed to the flight of industry from the state and a lack of job creation.

The Union Finance Minister did not hold back in her critique of the Mamata Banerjee-led government, accusing it of failing to foster a conducive environment for industrial growth. She cited the loss of a chip manufacturing project to Assam as an example of West Bengal's lack of proactive governance. Sitharaman emphasized that it is now up to the people of Bengal to restore the state's manufacturing glory which has plummeted from 24 per cent in 1947 to less than 3 per cent.

Further intensifying her criticism, Sitharaman highlighted instances of financial misappropriation and victim shaming under the TMC government. She referenced a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in 2021 that mentioned a financial misappropriation of Rs 2 lakh crore in a school jobs scam. Additionally, she brought attention to cases such as Sandeshkhali where TMC leaders were accused of sexual assault and land grab, accusing the state government of protecting culprits and attempting to intimidate victims.

Sitharaman also condemned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his alleged inaction against an AAP leader accused of assaulting party member Swati Maliwal. She criticized Kejriwal for his association with the accused post-allegations.

In her address, Sitharaman did not miss highlighting the achievements of the BJP government at the central level. She listed several initiatives such as establishing AIIMS hospital in Kalyani, providing LPG connections under Awas Yojana, improving potable water supply, and road building efforts. These measures were presented as examples of BJP's commitment to development and governance.

The Union Finance Minister concluded her remarks by urging the people of West Bengal to strive for regaining their state's past glory. Her speech was a call to action for change in governance to address the issues plaguing West Bengal.