The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is preparing to launch a series of daily protests inside the Parliament complex during the ongoing Winter Session, intensifying its campaign against what it claims are long-pending dues owed to West Bengal by the Centre. According to party sources, TMC MPs will stage a different, issue-specific demonstration every day, carrying new posters and placards, and may circle the Parliament complex to draw attention to the matter.
At the heart of the protest is the party’s accusation that thousands of crores under centrally sponsored schemes have not been released since the 2021 Assembly elections. The TMC’s 20-point questionnaire to the Centre includes demands for clarity on unpaid funds for MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana (Rural), Samagra Shiksha, PM Gram Sadak Yojana and the Jal Jeevan Mission. The party is also pressing for compensation for cyclone damages from Amphan, Yaas and Bulbul, as well as the release of NDRF funds for the current financial year.
The TMC has additionally raised concerns over recurring floods in Bengal, accusing the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) of releasing water without consulting the state government. Issues relating to migrant workers, delays in railway redevelopment projects, and limited funding under power distribution schemes have also been flagged.
Cultural and political demands form another important part of the campaign. These include the recognition of Sarna or Sari Dharma as a separate religion, inclusion of Kurmali and Rajbongshi-Kamtapuri languages in the Eighth Schedule, declaration of Gangasagar Mela as a national fair, formal recognition of Poila Boishakh as West Bengal’s Foundation Day, and approval for renaming the state as “Bangla”.
The protests will also revive the party’s earlier demand for a White Paper on Bengal’s dues a challenge first issued in March 2024 by Abhishek Banerjee. Nearly two years later, TMC leaders say the Centre has still not answered their questions. Party MPs believe the Winter Session is a crucial opportunity to bring Centre-state disputes and federal issues to the forefront of national debate.
