Abhishek Banerjee Highlights Development in Balrampur Under TMC Governance
TMC's Progress in Balrampur
Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), remarked that approximately 15 years ago, the Balrampur police station would remain closed even at 10 AM. In contrast, he noted that residents and visitors in Balrampur now enjoy peace under the TMC-led state government. He emphasized the significant development in the area, mentioning that previously, it took fire tenders from Purulia two hours to reach Balrampur, but now the town has its own fire station. Connectivity in the region has also improved considerably.
Banerjee pointed out that during the Left Front's rule, Maoists had a stronghold in the area, but peace has now been fully restored. Reflecting on past political events, he recalled the unusual circumstances surrounding the deaths of two BJP leaders during the 2018 gram panchayat elections, suggesting that these incidents were exploited for 'dirty politics' by the BJP.
Allegations Against BJP Leadership
He accused the then BJP national president, Amit Shah, of visiting Purulia and promising jobs to families through the central government, yet after eight years, no such jobs have materialized. Banerjee further claimed that local MPs do not even respond to the families' calls.
On Tuesday, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee referred to Narendra Modi as the 'biggest brand ambassador' of the current West Bengal government, asserting that the Prime Minister's act of purchasing 'jhalmuri' in Jhargram serves as evidence that the TMC has shielded the region from Maoist violence. He criticized the BJP for ignoring ground realities while launching baseless political attacks against the TMC government.
Reflections on Law and Order
Banerjee stated, "Those who criticize Bengal's law and order and promise to transform the state into Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, or Madhya Pradesh should remember what life was like here before 2011." The TMC ousted the Left Front from power in West Bengal in 2011.
He recounted that in the past, people in Jhargram, Gopiballavpur, Lalgarh, Binpur, and Nitai could not venture outside their homes after noon. At that time, even the Prime Minister's helicopter could not land in Jhargram. However, he highlighted the current situation as a stark contrast.
Banerjee declared that restoring peace in the Jangalmahal region is one of the significant achievements of the Mamata Banerjee government. During an election rally in Lalgarh, he stated, "I consider Narendra Modi to be the biggest 'brand ambassador' of the Mamata Banerjee government. In the last 15 years, I have never seen him eat jhalmuri in Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh, but he did so in Jhargram. This is a success for the people of 'Maa-Mati-Manush.'" The Prime Minister, accompanied by his security personnel, insisted on paying the vendor for the jhalmuri, even when the vendor initially refused.