Kolkata: Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee’s Government
On Saturday, Amit Malviya, a senior leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accused the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of neglecting women’s safety. He pointed to recent incidents of violence against women, particularly in Sandeshkhali and at RG Kar Hospital, to illustrate his claims.
Inadequate Support and Protection for Women
During a press conference in Asansol, Malviya refrained from directly addressing why the state government did not increase the monthly benefits for women under its ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ financial assistance scheme in the 2025-26 budget. Instead, he criticized what he described as a contradiction between the government’s professed commitment to women’s welfare through such initiatives and its apparent protection of those who perpetrate violence against women.
“While the chief minister publicly praises her government’s financial aid to women, she turns a blind eye to the shocking incidents like the sexual abuses in Sandeshkhali,” Malviya stated. “Her administration prioritizes shielding perpetrators over safeguarding women.”
Failings in Addressing Heinous Crimes
Malviya also mentioned the recent, tragic case involving the rape and murder of a female medical professional at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which has sparked nationwide outrage. He accused the chief minister of covering up for the offenders involved.
“Even after a crime so despicable shakes the conscience of our nation, the woman Chief Minister appears to shield the culprits,” he asserted, claiming this reflects a lack of genuine commitment to women’s empowerment.
Corruption and Governance Issues
The BJP leader further commented on the corruption scandals involving various TMC leaders and ministers. He remarked, “Members of the ruling party have become intertwined with syndicates, and it is the common citizen who is suffering under their intimidation.”
“Why are TMC MPs and MLAs linked to allegations of receiving bribes from state projects? The terms ‘TMC’ and ‘cut money culture’ have become synonymous in West Bengal. The electorate will reject this corrupt regime and opt for the BJP in the 2026 elections,” he predicted.
A Vision for Better Governance
Malviya emphasized that the BJP intends to usher in effective governance, eradicate corruption at all levels, and establish a secure environment for women. He alleged the closure of around 4,000 industrial units in both public and private sectors has occurred under the current government, resulting in 150,000 migrant laborers leaving West Bengal in search of employment elsewhere.
“This is far from the ‘Sonar Bangla’ we envisioned. The state government has failed to present a revival plan for the thousands of industrial units, and this vacuum in strategic planning is evident in the state budget,” he remarked. Additionally, he dismissed the state government’s claims of discrimination in the Union budget, asserting that it has not successfully utilized the central allocations. “Instead, that money has been misappropriated by the ruling party’s leaders,” he added.
Fostering Investment and Security
Looking ahead to a prospective BJP-led government, Malviya promised a conducive environment for investments, predicated on improved law and order.
Concerns Over Political Opposition
Malviya also commented on the Calcutta High Court’s recent conditional approval for the RSS to hold a rally in Purba Bardhaman on February 16. He remarked, “Programs organized by the BJP, RSS, or any opposition parties face substantial barriers under Mamata Banerjee’s regime, necessitating judicial intervention.”
He criticized Banerjee’s attempts to suppress alternative political voices, stating, “Her efforts to stifle dissent will no longer be tolerated.”
Finally, he dismissed her concerns about phantom names on electoral rolls as unfounded, interpreting them as expressions of fear about losing the 2026 assembly elections due to electoral oversight that would expose her alleged practices.
