TMC rejects Sitharaman’s claim, accuses BJP of targeting Bengal

TMC has dismissed Nirmala Sitharaman’s claim that 25 lakh fake MGNREGA job cards were deleted in West Bengal. The party called the claim false and accused the BJP-led central government of deliberately targeting the state.

TMC Counters with Official Data

TMC referred to Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti’s earlier statement, which reported that only 5,651 fake job cards were removed in Bengal over 2021-22 and 2022-23. The party also pointed out that other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, had significantly higher deletions.

Bengal’s MGNREGA Funds Blocked?

TMC questioned the selective targeting of Bengal. The party demanded to know why Bengal’s MGNREGA funds remain blocked while other states continue receiving payments. In a sharp attack, TMC alleged that the BJP is pushing the poor to starvation and using economic blockade as a political tool.

Ayushman Bharat vs Bengal’s Healthcare Scheme

TMC also criticized the Ayushman Bharat scheme, arguing that strict eligibility rules prevent millions from getting benefits. The party highlighted that Bengal’s state-run healthcare initiative covers 2.45 crore families with full medical benefits, unlike the central scheme.

Jal Jeevan Mission Under Fire

TMC slammed the BJP for failing to fully implement the Jal Jeevan Mission. The party claimed that while the government allocated ₹70,162 crore, only ₹21,544 crore was spent. TMC alleged that states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh suffered the most due to underutilized funds.

TMC continues to challenge the BJP’s policies, accusing the central government of bias against Bengal and failing to address critical issues affecting the poor.