All India General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday made serious allegations against the BJP, claiming that its leaders are attempting to influence the party’s booth-level agents ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
Addressing a massive rally in Patharpratima in South 24 Parganas, Banerjee alleged that BJP leaders from Delhi are contacting TMC’s BLA(2)s (Booth Level Agents) and offering them money.
“They are calling and saying, ‘We will give you money; work for us.’ The matter has been brought to the notice of the concerned authorities,” he said, claiming that the list of booth agents submitted to the Election Commission of India had been accessed by the BJP.
During his address, Banerjee outlined a set of “Five Pledges” to be implemented if the TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, returns to power for a fourth consecutive term. These include continuation of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, housing for all, doorstep medical services at block and town levels, universal access to tap water, and old-age pensions for senior citizens.
He also announced a major focus on agriculture, stating that the state government would allocate Rs 30,000 crore towards the sector. He asserted that essential services such as piped drinking water would be ensured even if central funds are withheld.
Highlighting the political stakes, Banerjee urged party workers to secure a decisive win in Patharpratima. The TMC had won the seat in the previous election by a margin of 22,134 votes. This time, he set a target of over 40,000 votes, effectively calling for a near doubling of the previous margin.
“This time, the battle is to win by more than 40,000 votes. We must also ensure that the BJP does not cross 50 seats across the state,” he said.
In a veiled attack on the BJP, Banerjee invoked the theme of “outsiders versus sons of the soil,” alleging that leaders from Delhi are attempting to undermine the rights of Bengal’s people.
With campaigning gaining momentum across the state, Banerjee’s rally is being seen as a key attempt to energise party cadres and consolidate support at the grassroots level. Whether the aggressive pitch and ambitious targets translate into electoral gains will become clear as the campaign progresses.
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