Devendra Fadnavis: “Bengal Polls Now People vs Mamata Banerjee, Not BJP vs TMC”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing his first press conference in Kolkata on Friday, launched a sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress, declaring that the upcoming elections in West Bengal are no longer a contest between the BJP and the TMC, but a direct battle between the people of Bengal and Mamata Banerjee.

He alleged that years of TMC rule have pushed the state into decline, citing large-scale industrial migration, mounting debt nearing 39% of GSDP, rising unemployment, and a series of scams. “Opportunities for the youth are shrinking, and governance has completely failed,” he said.

Positioning the BJP as the alternative, Fadnavis emphasised that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the central government has driven unprecedented development across the country. He asserted that the BJP is committed to restoring Bengal’s lost glory as an industrial powerhouse through job creation, women-centric welfare schemes, and transparent governance.

Reiterating his political message, Fadnavis said, “This election is no longer BJP versus TMC. It is TMC and Mamata Banerjee versus the people of Bengal. The people have resolved to revive the dream of Sonar Bangla.”

Fadnavis reminded that Kolkata and Bengal were once the economic and industrial capital of India, leading sectors like jute, steel, and engineering. However, he claimed that governance deteriorated first under Left rule and further under the current TMC government, eroding the state’s industrial base.

Citing data, he said that nearly 6,895 industries have exited Bengal as of September 2025, with around 1,400 relocating to Maharashtra alone. He added that several major listed companies have also severed ties with the state, raising serious concerns about its investment climate.

Highlighting the demographic challenge, he pointed out that nearly 65% of Bengal’s population is under 35, warning that the lack of job creation could become a major crisis. He questioned the state government’s claims about new industrial registrations, asking how many have actually translated into real production and employment.

On the economic front, Fadnavis said Bengal, once among India’s top five economies, is now trapped in a debt crisis, with a debt-to-GSDP ratio of around 39%, far higher than states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. He alleged that borrowings are increasingly being used just to service existing debt rather than for development.

He further criticised the state’s financial management, pointing to high committed expenditure, outdated pay structures, rising fiscal deficit, and minimal capital investment. “The government is merely sustaining its machinery, not building the state’s future,” he remarked.

Accusing the regime of widespread corruption, Fadnavis referred to multiple scams, including ponzi and coal-related cases, claiming they have undermined trust among youth in fair recruitment and transparency in governance.
At the same time, he highlighted various central government initiatives benefiting Bengal, including railway investments, financial inclusion through Jan Dhan accounts, sanitation, LPG connections, farmer support, and women empowerment schemes. He alleged misuse of central funds, citing audit findings.

Raising concerns about democratic institutions, he questioned what he described as threats to bodies like the CAG and criticised what he termed selective outrage over democracy.

Concluding his address, Fadnavis expressed confidence that Bengal can reclaim its position among India’s leading states within 5–7 years under good governance. He outlined BJP’s key promises, including creating one crore jobs, providing ₹3,000 monthly assistance to women, and rebuilding Bengal as a major industrial and commercial hub.

He urged voters to “choose change” and allow the BJP to form the government in West Bengal.