Allegations Surface Over BJP Leaders Receiving Housing Benefits Through Direct Contact with Chief Minister's Office in Panshkura

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 26, 2024, Kolkata : A political controversy has erupted in Panshkura following claims that several BJP leaders and workers received financial aid for housing construction by directly contacting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's office. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has responded by defending the Chief Minister's impartiality, stating that she does not consider political affiliations when distributing benefits.

According to sources, a number of BJP leaders, including panchayat members and their relatives, have allegedly used personal influence to secure housing assistance under the state’s housing scheme. The controversy centers on individuals such as Uttam Mandal, the brother-in-law of Chanda Jana Mandal, the BJP president of Haur Gram Panchayat in Panshkura block. Uttam Mandal, described as an active BJP worker, reportedly received funds for house construction after directly contacting the Chief Minister’s office.

Mandal himself confirmed the claim, stating that he had been previously excluded from the housing list during the time the area was under TMC control, allegedly due to his political affiliation. He asserted that when the BJP took control of the gram panchayat, his name was included after reaching out directly to the Chief Minister.

The allegations also extend to other BJP figures, including Vikas Bagh, a BJP member from the Chanagarh booth of Haur Gram Panchayat. Bagh’s house, described as being in a dilapidated state, had previously been left off the housing list, but he too was reportedly able to secure assistance after calling the Chief Minister directly.

The opposition, particularly the Trinamool Congress, has rejected the charges, arguing that the Chief Minister does not discriminate based on political affiliation and remains focused on delivering welfare benefits to all. However, the accusations have sparked a political tug-of-war, with both parties accusing each other of using state resources for political gains.

This unfolding situation in Panshkura highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal, particularly as local elections loom large. The housing issue has now become a flashpoint in the battle for political control, with both sides seeking to gain an upper hand in the eyes of voters.