Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the government over a circular that allegedly restricts government employees from speaking to the media or publicly expressing views critical of the administration, describing it as a “strangulation of democracy.”
In a strongly-worded message posted on his WhatsApp channel, the Trinamool Congress National General Secretary claimed that the directive reflected an attempt to impose “remote-controlled governance” under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre.
“‘Complete prohibition.’ The phrase echoes through this circular like a warning — not to protect governance, but to enforce silence upon government employees across Bengal,” Banerjee wrote.
According to him, the circular bars government employees from speaking to the press, writing articles, participating in media programmes, criticising either the Centre or the state government, or making statements that could “strain relations with Delhi.”
“Under BJP’s remote-controlled governance, silence is now an administrative requirement,” he alleged.
Banerjee further claimed that the move was not aimed at maintaining discipline within the administrative system, but at suppressing dissent and discouraging independent opinion among public servants.
“This shocking circular is not about discipline, it is about curtailing free expression and systematically choking fundamental rights to ensure absolute obedience to the masters sitting in Delhi,” he said.
“In short: Think as you are told. Speak only when permitted,” the TMC leader added.
Escalating his criticism, Banerjee accused the ruling dispensation of intolerance towards criticism and dissent.
“When a government cannot tolerate criticism, it starts crushing dissent. That is not strength — that is strangulation of democracy,” he stated.
The remarks come amid an intensifying political confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP over issues relating to federalism, administrative control, and freedom of expression.
The circular referred to by Banerjee has triggered political debate in West Bengal, with opposition parties and civil society groups expected to weigh in on whether such restrictions amount to administrative protocol or an infringement on constitutional freedoms.