Religion-based politics makes a party bankrupt: Abhishek
The Statesman | 28 March 2026
Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that a party that practises politics in the name of religion is “morally bankrupt.”
Addressing a massive election rally in Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri district in support of Trinamul Congress candidate Dr Nirmal Roy, the Trinamul Congress national general secretary said politics should focus on basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education, healthcare and employment, rather than religion.
“Religion is a personal matter and should remain within one’s home. Once religion is mixed with politics, a party becomes bankrupt,” he said, urging voters to “defeat the BJP decisively.” He also cautioned that following the BJP’s electoral path would not bring development.
Referring to the BJP’s election symbol, he remarked: “If you stamp on the lotus, a venomous snake will enter your home,” warning voters against what he described as a “wrong choice.”
Mr Banerjee also targeted the Centre over price rise and alleged financial discrimination against West Bengal. Questioning the performance of the Narendra Modi government, he asked what had become of the “Achhe Din” slogan, alleging that prices of essential commodities ~ from cooking gas to petrol ~ had soared while the Centre had withheld the state’s legitimate dues.
He asserted that Mamata Banerjee would continue welfare schemes irrespective of central assistance. In particular, he highlighted the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, claiming it would continue as long as the Trinamul government remained in power.
According to him, an ordinary woman would receive about Rs 90,000 over five years under the scheme, while women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes would receive more than Rs 1 lakh. He alleged that the central government had not contributed financially to the programme.
“I say this as a challenge to Mr Modi. If this is false, they may file a defamation case,” he added.
Mr Banerjee further claimed that although the BJP governs several states, none had implemented a scheme similar to Lakshmir Bhandar. He also alleged that conflicting statements from BJP leaders regarding the scheme indicated it would eventually be scrapped if the party came to power.
Appealing to voters to re-elect the Trinamul Congress, he said the party stood by people “not only in good times but also in times of distress.” He accused the BJP of attempting to curtail fundamental rights, including the right to vote, while asserting that his party had consistently fought to protect those rights.
Referring to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, he alleged that elderly citizens were being forced to stand in long queues and that people’s identities were being questioned.
Concluding his address, Mr Banerjee said the Trinamul Congress remained committed to supporting people in difficult times and accused the BJP of being “anti-Bengal.”