People rejected TMC after 15-year ‘nightmare’: Samik on Mamata protest
The Statesman | 2 June 2026
West Bengal BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamul Congress (TMC), describing its 15-year rule in the state as a “nightmare”.
Speaking to reporters at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport after returning from New Delhi, Bhattacharya dismissed the significance of the TMC’s protest programme in Kolkata and alleged that public anger against the former ruling party was steadily intensifying across the state. “We have no concern about Mamata Banerjee’s dharna. The 15-year tenure of the Trinamul Congress was a nightmare and a dark phase for the people of Bengal. When people got the opportunity, they threw the party into the Bay of Bengal,” Bhattacharya said.
His remarks came as the former CM, Mamata Banerjee led a protest at Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata against alleged post-poll violence targeting TMC leaders and workers.
The BJP leader alleged that the TMC had never functioned as a genuine political party and had instead become synonymous with corruption and extortion. “Once, Mamata Banerjee fought against the anti-people policies of the Left Front government. But after coming to power, she failed to run the administration democratically. Bengal witnessed widespread disorder and institutional decline,” Bhattacharya claimed.
He further alleged that public resentment against the ruling party was now surfacing openly. “People are speaking out against years of corruption, extortion and oppression. Across the state, protests are being held outside offices of TMC leaders and ministers. Allegations involving theft of government property and misuse of public resources by TMC leaders are also coming to light,” he said.