Abhishek targets PM Modi in Sitalkuchi, seeks ‘White Paper’ from Centre

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamul Congress national general secretary on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing an election rally at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar.

Campaigning for party candidates in the Assembly segment, Mr Banerjee threw a direct challenge to the Prime Minister, who is scheduled to visit the district on 5 April. He demanded that Mr Modi publish a “white paper” detailing the financial assistance extended to the people of Cooch Behar over the past five years.

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“I challenge the Prime Minister to show whether even 10 paise has reached the bank accounts of the people here under central schemes like the 100-day work programme. While the Centre only takes, it is the state government under Mamata Banerjee that continues to deliver,” he said.

At the outset of his speech, Mr Banerjee recalled the deaths of four persons in firing by central forces during the 2021 Assembly elections at Sitalkuchi and appealed to voters to reject the BJP. “Sitalkuchi is a land of protest, resistance, and resolve. This time, Trinamul must win all nine seats in Cooch Behar,” he asserted.

He also accused the Centre of apathy towards border residents, citing the case of a local farmer who was allegedly detained in Bangladesh for 27 days. “What assistance did BJP MPs or MLAs provide to him?” Mr Banerjee asked, adding that farmers in border areas continue to face insecurity while working on their land.

Targeting the BJP and the Election Commission of India over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, he claimed that deletion of voters’ names has only strengthened public resentment. “People will respond through their votes. When the ballot boxes are opened on 4 May, there will be no trace of the lotus,” he remarked, referring to the BJP’s symbol.

Describing the election as more than just a contest for power, Mr Banerjee said it was also an opportunity to respond to “outsiders”. “People have been made to stand in queues unnecessarily. Now, stand once more in the voting line and give a fitting reply,” he urged.

Referring to the BJP’s performance in 2021, when it won seven out of nine seats in the district, Mr Banerjee called for a reversal in 2026. He introduced Sitalkuchi candidate Harihar Das at the rally, remarking that he enjoyed broad support across sections.

Mr Banerjee also claimed that Das enjoyed support beyond party lines, referring to Ananta Maharaj, a Rajya Sabha member elected on a BJP ticket.

Later, Mr Banerjee addressed another rally in Rajganj, expressing confidence that the Trinamul Congress would register a decisive victory across North Bengal.

Meanwhile, in the Rajganj Assembly constituency, Swapna Barman, an Arjuna Award-winning athlete contesting as a Trinamul candidate, said she had resigned from her railway job to serve the people. “I have come to you with my last resource ~ your blessings will guide me to victory and service,” she said.

On the other hand, Union minister of state for education Sukanta Majumdar continued his campaign in North Bengal. After addressing rallies in Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri, he held a road show in Dinhata in Cooch Behar on Wednesday.