Kolkata, April 18: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has described the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections as a “Mamata Banerjee versus the people” contest, intensifying his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) during his campaign visit to the state.
Addressing party workers and supporters in Kolkata and surrounding areas, Fadnavis said the election is not just a political fight between parties but a direct choice between the current state government and the aspirations of the people. He expressed confidence that voters were seeking change and were ready for a new political direction.
“The Bengal election is not just BJP versus TMC. It is Mamata Banerjee versus the people of Bengal. The people have decided they want a new beginning,” Fadnavis said during his address, according to campaign remarks reported from his visit.
He further alleged that West Bengal has suffered financially under the TMC government, claiming that the state’s economy has been weakened by rising debt levels. Fadnavis said the state, which was once among India’s leading industrial regions, had “drowned in debt” and required urgent economic revival.
“West Bengal was once among the top five states in India in terms of development and industry. Today, it is burdened with debt and struggling to attract investment,” he said, adding that industrial growth and job creation were key concerns for the BJP’s campaign in the state.
Fadnavis also urged voters to support what he called a “development-focused government” and criticised the current administration’s governance model, arguing that it had failed to create sufficient opportunities for the youth.
His remarks come at a time when campaigning in West Bengal has intensified ahead of polling, with national leaders from multiple parties actively participating in rallies and roadshows across the state. Political discourse has become increasingly sharp, with parties trading allegations over governance, development, and law and order.
The Trinamool Congress has not issued an official response to Fadnavis’ latest comments at the time of reporting. However, TMC leaders have previously dismissed similar allegations from BJP leaders, calling them politically motivated ahead of elections.
The West Bengal Assembly elections are expected to see a high-stakes contest between the ruling TMC, which is seeking another term, and the BJP, which is aiming to expand its influence in the state. Results will be closely watched as they are expected to shape the political direction of Bengal in the coming years.
