With just days left for the first phase of polling in West Bengal, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress at a rally in Raiganj on Wednesday. Campaigning for party candidate Mohit Sengupta, Rahul accused both parties of corruption, poor governance, and failing the people of the state.
He alleged that Trinamool's actions had indirectly helped the BJP grow in Bengal. "Trinamool is facilitating BJP in Bengal… Trinamool is paving the way for BJP in Bengal," he said. He added, "If Trinamool had done its work properly and stopped violence, BJP would not have been visible in Bengal."
Twin attack on BJP and TMC
Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over multiple issues, including corruption, foreign policy, and trade agreements. He claimed, "Narendra Modi cannot look me in the eye… he left Parliament because he could not counter my arguments." He also alleged that the India-US trade understanding would harm farmers and small industries, saying it would make it difficult for Indian producers to compete.
At the same time, Rahul did not spare the Trinamool government. He said, "If Modi is corrupt, then Trinamool is not behind in the race of corruption." Referring to past scams, he brought up the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund cases. He further alleged that people in Bengal have to pay "gunda tax" under Trinamool Congress rule.
Issues of unemployment and governance
Raising concerns about unemployment, Rahul questioned the state government's promises. "Trinamool said it would provide five lakh jobs. How many have been given?" he asked. He also claimed that lakhs of youth had applied for unemployment allowances, highlighting growing job distress.
Rahul further alleged that both the Centre and the state government were failing Bengal. "BJP does not give funds to Bengal… but Trinamool is also not working for the people," he said. He warned that Bengal could face "double damage" due to policies of both governments.
The Congress leader also made an emotional pitch, recalling late leader Priyaranjan Dasmunsi. "If he had been alive, there would have been a Congress government in Bengal," Rahul said.
With the first phase of voting scheduled for April 23, the rally marked Congress's attempt to position itself as an alternative to both BJP and TMC in the state.
