The Congress party leveled accusations at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, asserting he has aligned with “corrupt politicians” by allocating positions to them, questioning how he can claim to be committed to fighting corruption while the “BJP’s washing machine” is operating at full capacity in West Bengal.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communications, launched an attack against the BJP ahead of his political event in West Bengal. “Today’s questions for the Prime Minister as he heads to West Bengal: Has the Enforcement Directorate dismissed the case of Tapas Roy? Why does the BJP continue to offer hollow assurances regarding Gorkhaland? Could the Prime Minister assist Justice Ganguly in making his choice between Gandhi and Godse?” he inquired.
“Here are the specifics: TMC leader Tapas Roy was investigated by the Enforcement Directorate earlier this year over a money laundering investigation. A revealing video showcases Suvendu Adhikari—now a member of the BJP and Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal—asserting that Tapas Roy was involved in a municipal recruitment scandal,” he tweeted, sharing the video of Adhikari.
“Merely three months later, in March, Roy aligned with Suvendu Adhikari and joined the BJP, now contesting the Kolkata Uttar Lok Sabha seat. The Enforcement Directorate investigation ostensibly remains ongoing. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s slogan ‘Eliminate Corruption’ is emblazoned across the nation, while his party actively backs tainted politicians. Why has the Enforcement Directorate halted actions against figures like Tapas Roy?” Ramesh stated.
“How can the Prime Minister claim a stance against corruption when the BJP’s metaphorical washing machine operates with full vigor in West Bengal?” the Congress leader challenged.
Ramesh remarked on last year’s widespread demonstrations in Darjeeling, sparked by the Gorkhas’ renewed demands for a resolution to the Gorkhaland question. He observed that in BJP’s manifestos for the elections of 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019, the party vowed to provide a “permanent political remedy” for the regions of Darjeeling Hills, Siliguri Terai, and Dooars.
Despite winning the Darjeeling parliamentary seat in each election since 2004, Ramesh criticized the BJP for not implementing substantive changes.
“Promises are made before each election, only to be conveniently ignored once the BJP secures power. Only Congress has taken meaningful steps to address the populace’s concerns—establishing the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration in 2012, and prior to that, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 1988,” he declared.
Ramesh questioned the prime minister and the BJP’s moral fiber in fulfilling their unfulfilled pledges. “What strategies does the Prime Minister intend to employ in tackling the persistent issues faced by the Gorkha community?” he asked.
Ramesh also noted that Justice Abhijit Ganguly’s decision to step down in order to contest the elections for the BJP has cast doubt on the autonomy of the judiciary.
“Moreover, his statements post-resignation have cast doubts regarding the BJP and the Prime Minister’s allegiance to the very fabric of our nation. When asked to choose between Gandhi and Godse, Mr. Ganguly hesitated, requiring ‘time to ponder’ this decision. Given that BJP’s members and candidates are threatening to revise the Constitution nationwide, this engenders anxiety about the BJP’s dedication to Indian nationalism and the Indian state,” Ramesh observed.
“Can the Prime Minister provide clarity on his personal views regarding the Gandhi-Godse dichotomy?” Ramesh pressed, asking, “Does he, too, require time to consider?” He urged the Prime Minister to break his silence on these critical issues.