Kolkata, April 20 -- At a high-voltage campaign rally in Balarampur, Purulia, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a multi-pronged attack on the BJP, beginning with a sensational allegation that the party's candidate had "bought" his nomination. Banerjee claimed that the BJP ticket was secured through undue influence, alleging that a vehicle was gifted to a party MP in exchange for candidature. Calling it a "deal-based nomination," he accused the BJP of undermining democratic processes and imposing candidates disconnected from grassroots realities.

Shifting focus, Banerjee invoked the 2018 panchayat election violence in Purulia, where two BJP workers- Trilochan Mahato and Dulal Kumar- died under suspicious circumstances. Accusing the BJP of indulging in "shameless politics over death," he alleged that the party had exploited the tragedy for electoral mileage. He further claimed that despite assurances from Union Home minister Amit Shah to provide a government job to a family member of the deceased, the promise remains unfulfilled even years later. Banerjee added that the affected families now struggle to get a response from local BJP representatives.

The TMC leader also broadened his attack in Ranibandh, Bankura to include both the BJP and the CPI(M), alleging that several individuals associated with political violence during the Left Front era have now found shelter within the BJP. He accused the saffron camp of embracing leaders with a history of "terror politics," thereby contradicting its public stance on law and order.

Positioning the Trinamool Congress as a party rooted in governance and accountability, Banerjee highlighted the credentials of its candidates, describing them as educated and committed to public service.

In contrast, he portrayed the BJP's leadership as "tainted" and opportunistic. He also challenged the opposition to engage in a data-driven debate, asserting that the TMC is prepared to present its development "report card" before the electorate.

At the Ghatal-Chandrakona rally, Abhishek Banerjee highlighted the long-pending Ghatal Master Plan, blaming the Centre for delays and stated that Rs 1,500 crore has already been allocated by the state government to address the region's chronic flooding, while warning that the project could be stalled if the BJP comes to power.

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