2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Trinamool Fact-Checks PM Narendra Modi’s High-Octane Bengal Rally

The Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s party is currently facing scrutiny over alleged irregularities in appointments for teaching posts after the Calcutta High Court cancelled over 25,000 recruitments in the state. During a rally in Malda district, PM Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC), stating that under their rule, only scams worth thousands of crores are flourishing in Bengal.

He accused the TMC of widespread corruption, claiming that not a single construction project in Bengal is initiated without the exchange of money. PM Modi also addressed the issue of job losses, highlighting that 26,000 families are now unemployed due to the cancelled recruitments, which has burdened them with unpaid loans that they took to secure these jobs.

In response to PM Modi’s remarks, the Trinamool Congress contested his claims, pointing out that the placement rate for the Kaushal Vikas Yojana 2.0 was 23 percent and even lower at 8 percent for the PMKVY 3.0. They also refuted PM Modi’s accusation that the Centre was not allowed to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Bengal, stating that 40 percent of the funds for the scheme should come from the state.

The Trinamool Congress highlighted their own health insurance scheme, Swasthya Sathi, which offers a Rs 5 lakh cover with the entire amount borne by the state. They emphasized that it is paperless, cashless, and covers the parents of both spouses, as well as providing free treatment for all in government hospitals.

PM Modi further criticized the Mamata Banerjee government over crimes against women in Sandeshkhali, to which the Trinamool responded by stating that the Bengal police arrested the accused in that case within 72 hours. They also accused the BJP of failing to take action against a BJP MP accused of sexual assault.