BJP alleges TMC using outsiders to intimidate officials
The Statesman | 28 March 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday levelled serious allegations against the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC), accusing it of deploying criminals and “outsiders” to create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.
Addressing a Press conference at the BJP’s state office in Salt Lake, party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya claimed that such tactics were aimed at preventing free and fair polls in the state. He alleged that government officials were being intimidated and that individuals with no administrative authority were entering government offices to exert influence. “Trinamul Congress remains true to its nature. Outsiders are being used to oppress government employees. This government will remain on paper for only two more months,” Mr Bhattacharya said, expressing confidence that the electorate had already made up its mind for a political change.
The BJP leader further alleged that incidents of violence against teachers and BJP workers had increased in recent times. He also criticised the circulation of government advertisements featuring the Chief Minister, claiming that such publicity amid alleged unrest sent a contradictory message. Placing reliance on the Election Commission of India, Mr Bhattacharya urged the poll panel to ensure that elections in West Bengal are conducted in a free, fair and fear-free manner.
He claimed that people from various sections of society, including grassroots-level TMC workers, were increasingly reaching out to the BJP in anticipation of a “real change” in governance. Touching upon economic issues, Mr Bhattacharya said that West Bengal’s industrial climate remained unfavourable, alleging that nearly 79,000 factories had shut down while over 1,000 companies were heading towards liquidation. He claimed that the lack of a conducive business environment had adversely affected employment and investment in the state.
Mr Bhattacharya also referred to global economic concerns and the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, alleging that misinformation regarding fuel prices was being spread domestically. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reducing excise duty on diesel and customs duty in the aviation sector, stating that such measures had helped maintain economic stability despite global challenges.
Meanwhile, in a significant development, noted footballer Arindam Bhattacharya joined the BJP on Friday. A seasoned player, who has represented India at both national and international levels since 2006, Mr Bhattacharya said he was motivated to contribute towards bringing transparency and professionalism to the sporting ecosystem in the state.