Why are women not receiving money under Annapurna scheme?’: Mamata targets BJP

Former Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP government on Monday for allegedly denying benefits under the recently introduced 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme, specifically targeting women who had previously benefited from the TMC's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme. Addressing TMC workers virtually, Banerjee expressed concerns over recent deaths and alleged attacks on her party members, accusing the state administration of suppressing the Opposition using police and government machinery.

She claimed that women were being removed from welfare rolls without proper surveys after the Assembly elections, with the BJP distributing forms and promising benefits without conditions. Banerjee alleged that women are being discriminated against based on caste and religion by the BJP, referring to the suicide of a woman in Malda who was denied benefits under the scheme.

She also expressed condolences to the family of a young BJP worker from Bankura who's father died following an attack, alleging that the state police were being used to target TMC workers with false cases. The TMC chief highlighted restrictions on political meetings and rallies, stating she would not withdraw from politics despite denied permissions.

She criticized recent eviction drives and pavement-clearance operations, accusing the government of using 'bulldozer politics.' Banerjee raised concerns over harassment of students at Jadavpur University, Presidency University, and Asutosh College, questioning restrictions on TMC student wing rallies. She called on TMC workers to identify those deprived of welfare benefits and warned of pursuing the matter through legal and political channels, including possibly taking the issue to the Supreme Court.