Kolkata, 30 March (H.S.)

Senior All India Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of creating divisions among communities in the name of religion and caste, alleging that the party avoids talking about development.

Addressing an election rally in Jhalda in Purulia district, Banerjee questioned the performance of BJP representatives in the region, including MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato and MLAs from Jhalda, Purulia, Kashipur and Para constituencies. He asked them to explain what development work they had undertaken for the people.

“If anyone can show what they have done over the years, they should come forward. The BJP only spreads lies and tries to create a divide between Hindus and Muslims,” he said at a rally in Kenduari Kunja Maidan.

Highlighting initiatives of the state government led by Mamata Banerjee, he said it had recommended inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Sixth Schedule and worked towards recognition of the Rajbanshi language, asserting that the party is committed to protecting regional identity and culture.

Banerjee also alleged that BJP leaders focus more on promoting their own families rather than ensuring comprehensive development of tribal communities.

Criticising the Narendra Modi-led central government, he termed it “pretentious and anti-people” and raised concerns over rising LPG prices. He claimed that prices could go up to Rs 2,000 after the elections.

He further criticised policies such as demonetisation, alleging that they caused hardship to the common people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey