At the beginning of this year, MP Abhishek Banerjee launched a programme called 'Sebaashray' in the Diamond Harbour parliamentary constituency. This doorstep healthcare camp initiative gained popularity, leading to the organisation of its second phase in December. Following the Diamond Harbour model, 'Sebaashray' is now being held in several Assembly constituencies across the state.
Suvendu launches attack
At a press conference on Saturday, it was announced that a similar healthcare camp would be organised in Nandigram in East Midnapore district. Following Abhishek Banerjee's announcement, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, criticised the initiative on Sunday.
The BJP MLA from Nandigram said, "Coming to provide service means providing services. This shows that Mamata Banerjee has failed as Health Minister. It is good that such initiatives are being undertaken, but I will demand an account of where the money is coming from and which fund is being used. I will also question whether this money is stolen or not."
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Significance of Nandigram
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had contested the Nandigram Assembly seat in 2021 but lost to BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. Naturally, the Trinamool Congress is giving special importance to the constituency ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Suvendu Adhikari claimed, "Even earlier, many temptations were offered to the people of this area. But the Hindus of Nandigram could not be bought. The people of Nandigram cannot be bought with a paracetamol."
Trinamool hits back
However, the Trinamool Congress dismissed Suvendu Adhikari's remarks. Haldia MLA Tapasi Mandal said, "Does the Trinamool Congress need to justify its programmes to Suvendu Adhikari? He should worry about his own party. He is making such statements because he is scared."
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Trinamool Congress spokesperson Arup Chakraborty said, "Sebaashray has shown the entire state how to work for the people. You are the MLA of Nandigram, yet you cannot provide services to your own constituency. The people of Nandigram appealed to Abhishek Banerjee, and he responded. That is what is troubling you."
It may be noted that Abhishek Banerjee also runs a service called 'Ek Dake Abhishek' in his parliamentary constituency. According to him, people had called to request that a Sebaashray camp be organised in Nandigram. Two model Sebaashray camps will be held in the Nandigram-1 and Nandigram-2 blocks on January 15.
