Kolkata, 18 April (H.S.): West Bengal BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress government, alleging that democratic institutions in the state have weakened and that people are now seeking change.

Addressing a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club, Bhattacharya said that the 2011 change in power had come with promises of restoring democracy, but the situation has “deteriorated further” over the past 15 years.

He alleged that the distinction between the administration and the ruling party has “virtually disappeared” and that respect for constitutional institutions has declined.

On the economic front, Bhattacharya claimed that the state’s debt burden has been continuously rising while capital expenditure has decreased. He alleged that a lack of an industry-friendly environment has hampered job creation.

Referring to Singur and Nandigram, he said such developments had sent a negative signal to industry. He further claimed that around 79,000 factories have shut down in the past 15 years, with over 1,000 companies in a state of closure.

He also alleged that several companies have shifted their headquarters to other states, leading to migration of capital, talent and labour.

Expressing concern over the agricultural sector, he said production has declined and farmers are facing serious challenges, particularly potato growers, whose condition he described as “extremely poor”.

Despite having significant potential in terms of geography, natural resources and human capital, the state is lagging due to lack of proper policy and political will, he added.

On law and order, Bhattacharya alleged deterioration in the situation and flagged concerns over demographic changes and rising radicalisation as serious challenges.

Commenting on the upcoming Assembly elections, he said the contest would not be BJP versus Trinamool Congress, but “people versus Trinamool Congress,” expressing confidence that public discontent would reflect in the results.

On the Women’s Reservation Bill, he said the BJP remains committed to women’s empowerment through various initiatives.

He also said that while purification of electoral rolls is necessary, it has not been implemented properly in West Bengal.

On the question of a chief ministerial face, Bhattacharya said the BJP contests elections on ideology and policy, not individuals.

He said the party’s goal is to build a corruption-free, fear-free and development-oriented West Bengal, and appealed to voters to support change in the interest of democracy and future generations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey