Political tensions have escalated in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, with Kunal Ghosh of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) launching a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of indirectly aiding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Ghosh’s remarks came in response to Gandhi’s recent speech, in which he criticised both the TMC and the BJP, alleging corruption and electoral malpractice in the state. Hitting back, the TMC leader claimed Gandhi had failed to effectively counter the BJP in several key states and was now, in effect, strengthening its position in West Bengal.

He argued that it was Gandhi’s responsibility to challenge the BJP in states such as Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Bihar, but alleged that the Congress leader had fallen short. According to Ghosh, Gandhi’s criticism of the TMC at this juncture only serves to politically benefit the BJP in a state where the ruling party is actively opposing it.

In his speech, Gandhi accused both the TMC and the BJP of corruption, claiming their governance had adversely impacted West Bengal. He also suggested that the state’s political climate had enabled the BJP’s rise, while asserting that the Congress remains the only party capable of mounting an effective challenge.

Responding to these allegations, Ghosh expressed confidence in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, citing strong public support across the state. He further accused the BJP of pursuing an “anti-Bengal policy” and said higher voter turnout would bolster the TMC’s chances of retaining power.

The exchange has further intensified the political climate in West Bengal, where campaigning is in full swing. With strong voter turnout already recorded in the first phase, the remaining rounds of polling are expected to witness fierce competition and increasingly sharp rhetoric among rival parties.