Kolkata, 27 March (H.S.): West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Friday criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress government and asserted that a political change in the state is imminent.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s Salt Lake office, Bhattacharya said attempts were being made to mislead people over issues of fuel and gas prices amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced excise duty on diesel by Rs 10 and also lowered levies in the aviation sector to provide relief.

He said while much of the world is facing an economic slowdown, India continues to show resilience, and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister.

Bhattacharya also raised concerns over alleged violence in the state, claiming that outsiders were being used to target government employees and that ruling party workers were entering offices without authority. He alleged that the present government is “only on paper for a limited time” and that people are seeking change.

He further claimed that teachers, BJP workers and common citizens were facing attacks, but expressed hope that the Election Commission would ensure free and fair polls. He added that even grassroots-level workers of the Trinamool Congress were reaching out to the BJP and joining the party.

Questioning the industrial climate in the state, Bhattacharya said around 79,000 factories have shut down and 1,016 companies are heading towards liquidation, indicating a lack of a conducive environment for industry.

On the occasion, footballer Arindam Bhattacharya also joined the BJP. Bhattacharya said the goalkeeper, who has been playing professional football since 2006 and has represented India at national and international levels, joined the party to be part of “real change” in West Bengal. Party leaders welcomed him by handing over the party flag.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey