Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.) : Political rhetoric is intensifying ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, with senior leaders stepping up their campaigns across the state. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday asserted that people in West Bengal are “eager for change” and seeking better governance.

Addressing a campaign gathering in East Burdwan, Sitharaman said she could sense a significant shift in public mood compared to previous elections. “I had come here during the 2016 campaign as well, but what I see now is different. People are more open in expressing their problems and are clearly demanding better administration,” she said.

She added that even when people are not speaking directly, their responses indicate dissatisfaction with the current situation. “The kind of response our leaders are receiving is truly encouraging. I believe this time Bengal will witness change,” the Union Minister stated.

Sitharaman also referred to her earlier remarks in Parliament, where she had criticised the Trinamool Congress over the treatment of tea garden workers. During the debate on the Finance Bill 2026, she alleged that the state government had deprived nearly 3 lakh 79 thousand tea workers of government benefits.

As the election draws closer, the exchange of sharp statements between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress continues to intensify, further heating up the political atmosphere in West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh