Newly appointed BJP national president Nitin Nabin launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during his first visit to West Bengal on Wednesday.
Addressing a public meeting in Durgapur, Nabin accused the state government of failing on key fronts such as industrial growth, employment generation, corruption control, and women’s safety.
Referring to Durgapur’s past as a major industrial hub, the BJP president said the city once housed numerous factories that provided employment to thousands. He alleged that the decline of industry in the region has forced local youth to migrate to other states in search of work. According to him, the state government’s flawed industrial policy is primarily responsible for this situation.
Nabin reminded the gathering that when the TMC came to power in 2011, it had promised rapid industrialisation. However, he claimed that the promise remains unfulfilled. “No new industries have come up. Instead, old factories are shutting down one after another,” he alleged. He asserted that only a BJP government could revive industry and employment in Bengal, warning that otherwise the state’s workforce would continue to depend on opportunities outside Bengal.
Taking a dig at the ruling party, Nabin remarked that while no new factories have been established, a different kind of “factory” has emerged in the state — one centred on corruption, fraud, and kickbacks. He alleged that several TMC leaders, MLAs, and ministers are involved in such activities and claimed that the Chief Minister is attempting to shield them despite being aware of the situation. He also pointed out that many leaders of the ruling party are currently either in jail or out on bail in connection with corruption cases.
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The BJP president also raised concerns over women’s safety in the state. He criticised the government’s approach, alleging that women in Bengal are being encouraged to stay indoors after 7 PM. Nabin said that this mindset is unacceptable, especially in a state that once played a leading role in shaping progressive thought across the country.
During his speech, Nabin also invoked Bengal’s rich cultural and intellectual legacy. He paid tribute to prominent figures such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Satyajit Ray, and Uttam Kumar.
Political observers believe that by recalling these iconic personalities, the BJP president aimed to connect his political message with Bengal’s heritage and historical contributions, signalling the party’s intent to strengthen its foothold in the state.
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