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On the occasion of Durga Puja inaugurations across Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without directly naming him. Speaking from the inauguration stage, she claimed that the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemptions on insurance and essential services were not due to any initiative of the central government, but rather a long-standing demand that she herself had first raised.
She reminded the audience, “Remember what has happened with GST. The central government has no credit. I was the first to demand in writing that insurance should be exempted from GST. Earlier there was GST on gold, not on diamond. No money has been spent by the central government on this. It is entirely the state governments who bear the cost.”
The Chief Minister alleged that while the BJP-led central government was taking credit through media advertisements, it was actually Bengal that had sacrificed revenue for the welfare of the people.
Revenue Loss and Central Neglect
Banerjee further pointed out that Bengal is facing massive revenue losses due to GST exemptions. She estimated that the state would lose nearly ₹20,000 crore, which would heavily impact welfare schemes and development programs.
She asked, “Those who are taking credit, will they give the money back to Bengal? Work under the 100 days job scheme has stopped, housing funds have stopped, road development funds have stopped, Jal Swapna funds have stopped, Sarva Shiksha Mission funds have stopped. Now again, GST exemptions mean another ₹29,000 crore loss. How will the state run?”
Despite the revenue setback, Banerjee said she was satisfied because ordinary people would benefit. She emphasized, however, that the central government has not given a single rupee of compensation to Bengal, making their credit-claiming campaign “misleading and unfair.”
Attack on National Media
The Chief Minister also criticized the role of national media, accusing them of being biased towards the central government. She remarked that Doordarshan and All India Radio, once seen as public service broadcasters, had now turned into “propaganda channels.”
“Earlier there was Doordarshan, now it has become Godi Darshan. All India Radio is now Godi Radio. The media runs 24/7 in favor of the central government, but our platform for promotion is limited. We will issue a rate chart,” Mamata said with sarcasm.
Protest Against Atrocities on Bengalis in BJP States
Mamata Banerjee also expressed her outrage over the reported harassment of Bengali-speaking people in several BJP-ruled states. She urged everyone to respect all languages while asserting the pride and dignity of Bengali.
“Our language must not be disrespected. Bengali is our pride. Bengal gave birth to independence movements, Bengal gave birth to the renaissance. Even Mahatma Gandhi lived in Bengal for long periods. If you play with fire, it will burn you too. India must remain united, not divided,” she cautioned.
She also assured protection to nearly one crore migrant workers from Bengal who work across the country, declaring that the state would always stand for their safety and dignity.
Emotional Moment with Pahalgam Martyr’s Family
At the inauguration of Barisha Club’s Durga Puja, Mamata Banerjee met the grieving parents of Bitan Adhikari, who was killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The parents broke down in tears as the Chief Minister held their hands and comforted them.
She told them, “Do not cry too much, it will affect your health. You have lost one son, but you have many more sons in this state. We are all your family.”
Banerjee also instructed local leaders to maintain regular contact with the family, reminding them that “support must continue 365 days a year, not just in the first two days after a tragedy.”
No Personal Promotion, Only Public Service
At Khidderpore 25 Palli Puja, Mamata Banerjee was gifted digital portraits of her parents. She humbly refused to accept them as part of a publicity campaign, stating, “This is AI artwork, not original. I do not want my family to be promoted in this way. My office already has no space. Give these portraits to someone else who will value them. I have never used my parents for political promotion.”
This gesture underlined her emphasis on separating personal family matters from public life.
Kanyashree Song in Schools
During the same inauguration, Mamata interacted with school students and asked them whether they knew the Kanyashree song, a theme associated with her flagship women’s empowerment scheme. When the students replied in the negative, she herself sang a few lines and encouraged them to practice.
“Every school must teach the Kanyashree song. Next time I come, I want you to sing it perfectly,” she told the students, highlighting her commitment to women’s welfare programs.
Mamata Banerjee’s speeches during Durga Puja inaugurations in Kolkata were not just festive appearances but strong political statements. By questioning the Prime Minister’s claims on GST exemptions, she placed the spotlight on Bengal’s financial struggles and the central government’s alleged neglect.
From addressing Bengali identity issues, to showing solidarity with martyr families, to insisting on women’s empowerment through Kanyashree, Banerjee combined emotional appeal with sharp political messaging.
As the Durga Puja festivities begin, her words have set the tone for yet another round of Centre vs. State confrontation on revenue, welfare, and recognition.
