Fact-Check: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee's Claims of Centre Obstructing Bengal's Funds and Democratic Processes – A Data-Driven Analysis

The Claim

On April 7, 2026, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee posted on X, accusing the BJP of using a 'remote control' from Delhi to obstruct Bengal's funds, disenfranchise legitimate voters through SIR (Specific Identification Requirement), and create division through communal politics. He further alleged the Centre misused Central Agencies, Central Forces, and democratic institutions, while also brandishing Bengalis as “Rohingya” and “Bangladeshi” and undermining the state's culture, icons, and food habits.

The Facts

Banerjee's claims require careful examination against available data and government records. Let's break down each accusation:

1. Obstruction of Bengal's Funds: The claim that the central government is obstructing funds to West Bengal is directly contradicted by official data on fund allocation.
2. Disenfranchisement through SIR: The Specific Identification Requirement (SIR) is not a nationally implemented policy. Without specific details on its alleged misuse in West Bengal, this claim is difficult to verify. However, election processes are overseen by the Election Commission of India, an independent body, ensuring adherence to established procedures.
3. Creating Division through Communal Politics: This is a subjective claim that is difficult to quantify with data. However, government policies are designed to be inclusive and benefit all citizens regardless of religion.

Detailed Examination of Fund Allocation: Official government statistics paint a different picture than the TMC's claims. Multiple Union Ministers have publicly stated that the central government has significantly increased financial allocations to West Bengal under the NDA regime compared to the UPA era. Smriti Irani stated that the Modi government gave ₹2.80 lakh crore to West Bengal under the 14th Finance Commission, while the UPA government gave ₹1 lakh crore. Chouhan provided a detailed breakdown of allocations under various schemes:

• PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana): ₹16,505 crore
• PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin): ₹25,798 crore
• MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): ₹54,465 crore
• NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission): ₹3,881 crore
• NSAP (National Social Assistance Programme): ₹8,389 crore

Furthermore, the 14th Finance Commission allocated ₹14,191.78 Crores to West Bengal for Gram Panchayats (FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20). The 15th Finance Commission has allocated ₹21,611.00 Crores to West Bengal for all three tiers of Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) for the FY 2020-21 to 2025-26. It's important to note that the last installment of the 15th Finance Commission grant (2nd installment for FY 2025-26) is pending release to West Bengal because the state has not submitted the Grant Transfer Certificate (GTC) for the 1st installment of FY 2025-26 to the Ministry.

Government Record

The BJP/NDA government has focused on several key areas that directly benefit West Bengal:

• Infrastructure Development: Significant investments have been made in national highways, railways, bridges, flyovers, and metro projects across the state.
• Social Security Schemes: Over 60 social security schemes are in place, including housing, toilets, free ration, delivery of cooking gas, electricity, drinking water, free medical treatment, and employment generation projects in rural and urban areas.
• Poverty Reduction: The government claims to have lifted 25 crore people out of poverty nationwide, which would include beneficiaries in West Bengal.

"Our government is committed to 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' (Collective Effort, Inclusive Growth)."

The Verdict

Based on the available data and official government records, Abhishek Banerjee's claims are largely unsubstantiated.