Kolkata, April 19 -- Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday intensified his attack on the BJP across multiple campaign rallies, combining sharp political criticism with pointed questions to the Centre ahead of the upcoming elections.

Addressing a public meeting in East Midnapore's Nandigram, Banerjee issued a direct challenge to the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on his home turf. He alleged that the state's Chief Electoral Officer was functioning like a BJP agent, raising concerns about the neutrality of the election process. Banerjee claimed that attempts were being made to influence the polls administratively but asserted that such efforts would ultimately fail in the face of public mandate. Calling for a direct political contest, he said the people of Nandigram would deliver a decisive reply through the ballot.

In a separate rally in Sagar, Banerjee hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "gundaraj" remark against the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal. "With due respect, calm down, the people of Bengal are watching and will give a reply at the right time," he said. Accusing the BJP of maligning the state for electoral gains, Banerjee argued that leaders who do not understand Bengal's culture and social fabric are quick to label it unfairly. He maintained that while the TMC continues its development-focused governance, the BJP is resorting to what he described as "politics of allegations."

Banerjee further sharpened his criticism by suggesting that if any real political change was necessary, it should be in Delhi rather than in Bengal. He accused the central leadership of failing to address key national concerns while targeting opposition-ruled states with rhetoric.

At another rally in Panihati, Banerjee raised the issue of the Aparajita Bill, which the West Bengal government had sent to the President over one and a half years ago but is yet to receive approval.

With Prime Minister Modi scheduled to visit Panihati soon, Banerjee urged the BJP candidate from that Constituency, the RG Kar victim's mother, to ask him about the delay in clearing the Bill. He alleged a "double standard" on the issue and questioned whether the Centre was genuinely committed to ensuring justice and safety for women across the country.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.