TMC's Daily Parliament Protests Demand Billions in Unpaid Central Dues for West Bengal

The Trinamool Congress is preparing to launch a series of daily protests in Parliament during the Winter Session, specifically targeting what they claim are outstanding central government payments owed to West Bengal, according to sources.

Sources reveal that TMC MPs will organize different demonstrations each day, utilizing various posters and placards while potentially circling the Parliament complex. This strategic approach aims to highlight 20 specific questions the party has directed toward the BJP-led central government, requesting clarification on fund disbursements, disaster relief assistance, infrastructure development projects, and cultural recognition issues.

The core of TMC's campaign centers on claims that the central government has withheld thousands of crores due to West Bengal under centrally sponsored programs. Their questions address delayed payments for MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana (Rural), Samagra Shiksha, PM Gram Sadak Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission. Additionally, the party seeks answers regarding compensation for damage caused by cyclones Amphan, Yaas, and Bulbul, as well as the non-release of NDRF funds for disaster management in the current fiscal year.

The list of concerns also includes issues related to recurring floods allegedly resulting from water releases from DVC dams without consulting state authorities. Other highlighted matters involve attacks on Bengali-speaking migrant workers, delays in railway station modernization under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, and limited funding to West Bengal under the revamped power distribution program.

Cultural and political demands constitute a significant portion of the 20-point questionnaire, including recognition of Sarna or Sari dharma as a distinct religion, inclusion of Kurmali and Rajbongshi Kamtapuri languages in the Eighth Schedule, designation of Gangasagar Mela as a national fair, acknowledgment of Poila Boishakh as West Bengal Foundation Day, and approval for renaming the state to Bangla.

Sources indicate the protests will also renew the party's call for a White Paper detailing Bengal's dues. On March 14, 2024, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee challenged the BJP to publish a White Paper outlining fund allocation to West Bengal following the 2021 Assembly elections, asserting that no funds had been released for programs like MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojana since then.

More than 21 months after this challenge, TMC leaders maintain that their questions remain unanswered. The party intends to consistently raise these issues during the Winter Session as part of what they consider a sustained parliamentary campaign against the central government.

In a separate development, floral tributes were paid in Parliament's Central Hall on the birth anniversary of C Rajagopalachari, commonly known as Rajaji. Sources mentioned that TMC MPs Yusuf Pathan and June Malia were among those who participated in the tribute ceremony.

According to sources, the party views the Winter Session as a vital opportunity to bring Center-state disputes over funding and federal issues to the forefront of parliamentary discussion.