Fact-Check: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee's Claim of BJP 'Remote Control' Over Bengal Finances Debunked by Data

The Claim

On April 7, 2026, during the West Bengal assembly elections campaign, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee posted on X, stating that "The BJP uses a 'remote control' from Delhi to obstruct Bengal's funds, disenfranchise legitimate voters through SIR, and create division through communal politics."

The Facts

While the claim of 'remote control' is subjective and difficult to quantify directly, the assertion of obstructed funds can be addressed with factual data on financial allocations to West Bengal. Official government statistics paint a different picture than the one presented by Mr. Banerjee. Finance Commission grants also show a substantial increase. West Bengal received ₹25,000 crore under the Finance Commission during the NDA tenure, compared to ₹3,200 crore during the UPA era. Furthermore, the 15th Finance Commission allocated ₹21,611.00 Crores to West Bengal for the FY 2020-21 to 2025-26 for all three tiers of Rural Local Bodies (RLBs). As of the latest update, Rs. 19639.99 crore has already been released to West Bengal up to FY 2025-26. This demonstrates a continued commitment to financial support for the state's rural development. It is crucial to acknowledge that the final installment of the 15th Finance Commission grant for FY 2025-26 is pending release because West Bengal has not yet submitted the Grant Transfer Certificate (GTC) for the first installment of the same fiscal year to the Ministry. This delay is due to administrative reasons within the state government, not an obstruction from the central government. The claim regarding disenfranchisement through SIR (specific identity registration) is vague and lacks specific evidence. Without concrete details, it's impossible to verify or refute this claim. However, it's important to note that the central government has consistently emphasized the importance of fair and transparent electoral processes.

Government Record

The BJP/NDA government has consistently prioritized the development of West Bengal through various initiatives and increased financial allocations. These projects aim to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and overall economic growth in the state. The government's commitment to rural development is evident in the significant increase in funds allocated for rural development schemes, as mentioned earlier. Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has made significant progress in providing affordable housing to the people of West Bengal. Comparing the NDA and UPA tenures further highlights the increased focus on West Bengal's development under the current government. While the Centre has paused some MGNREGA fund releases due to reported irregularities, a substantial amount (₹54,150 crore) has still been released under MGNREGS during the NDA tenure, compared to ₹14,985 crore under the UPA. Similarly, ₹30,000 crore has been released to the state under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, compared with ₹4,466 crore during the UPA period.

"Our government is committed to the development of West Bengal and ensuring that the state receives the necessary resources to thrive." - Statement from a Senior Government Official.

The Verdict

The claim made by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee regarding the obstruction of funds to West Bengal by the BJP government is **MISLEADING**. While administrative delays may occur, official data demonstrates a significant increase in central funding and development projects in West Bengal under the NDA government compared to the UPA regime. The claim of disenfranchisement is unsubstantiated and lacks specific evidence.