TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee issued a bold challenge to the BJP on Friday, inviting them to engage in a public debate to compare their respective records of development governance.
Speaking at an election rally in Dhaniakhali, West Bengal's Hooghly district, Banerjee directly challenged incumbent BJP MP and candidate Locket Chatterjee to confront him with their performance reports on actual development work in the constituency.
Banerjee was joined by TMC's Hooghly candidate Rachana Banerjee during the rally.
Asserting his stance, Banerjee stated, "BJP claims to have accomplished a great deal. Let them produce a white paper. I challenge her (Locket Chatterjee) to face me with our work report cards. We will emerge victorious comfortably."
In his address, Banerjee expressed confidence in the victory of the INDIA bloc, with TMC playing a pivotal role in shaping the electoral outcome.
Banerjee criticised the central government's tax policies, particularly highlighting the disproportionate GST rates on essential goods compared to luxury items.
He emphasised the BJP's alleged favoritism towards the affluent by imposing an 18 percent GST on essential spices like cumin, while luxury items like diamonds are taxed minimally.
The TMC leader also condemned the high inflation rates under the BJP's tenure, which have significantly impacted essentials such as milk, LPG gas, kerosene, and pulses.
Directing his criticism towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee labeled him as an 'outsider' who is visible only during elections, questioning his absence during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
He accused Modi of exploiting the Pulwama terrorist attack for electoral gains in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Banerjee cautioned against the BJP's agenda, alleging attempts to dictate personal choices, including dietary and sartorial preferences.
Shifting the focus to the local economy, Banerjee highlighted concerns regarding the BJP government's reduced procurement of jute bags from Hooghly's mills, which he argued is jeopardising livelihoods dependent on the industry.
Addressing the controversial Sandeshkhali incident, Banerjee accused the BJP of conspiring to tarnish Bengal's reputation.
He contrasted this with alleged high rates of attacks on tribals in BJP-led states.
Hooghly district is scheduled for polling on May 20 in the fifth phase of elections.
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