Kolkata: CPI(M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya has alleged that the Mamata Banerjee led government has driven West Bengal into a “debt trap” through excessive welfare spending and festival funding, instead of focusing on employment generation.
In an interview, Bhattacharya claimed that the state government is borrowing heavily from the market to finance cash assistance schemes and other expenditures, increasing the financial burden on citizens. He warned that the public would ultimately bear the cost of repaying the rising debt.
According to the state’s interim Budget for 2026–27, West Bengal’s outstanding debt is projected to exceed Rs 8.15 lakh crore, up from Rs 7.62 lakh crore in the previous fiscal. Bhattacharya argued that such figures reflect growing financial stress on the state’s economy.
He criticised schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar and financial assistance to unemployed youth, as well as honorariums to religious figures, stating that these measures weaken the economic foundation instead of contributing to long-term growth.
Responding to allegations by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the previous Left Front government left behind a debt of Rs 2 lakh crore in 2011, Bhattacharya said the earlier borrowings were used to strengthen education and healthcare infrastructure, and should not be compared with current spending patterns.
The CPI(M) leader also accused the ruling party of diverting funds toward advertisements, festivals, and what he termed “non-productive” purposes, raising concerns about governance priorities.
Bhattacharya further alleged that both the TMC and the BJP are engaging in religion-based politics, claiming that such approaches undermine secular principles. He maintained that his political agenda focuses on restoring a secular and democratic framework in the state.
Raising concerns about governance, he accused the administration of widespread corruption across sectors, including education and healthcare, and alleged that law-and-order conditions have deteriorated. He also claimed that people face difficulties in registering complaints against those linked to the ruling party.
Expressing hope ahead of the elections, Bhattacharya said young and educated voters are becoming disillusioned with unfulfilled promises and lack of employment opportunities. He added that migration of youth from the state reflects deeper structural issues in the economy.
The CPI(M) has fielded Bhattacharya from the Jadavpur Assembly constituency, a seat historically associated with the Left.