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BJP Accuses West Bengal of Withholding Funds

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 5:29 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: West Bengal, INDIA

Kolkata/New Delhi - February 4th, 2026 - A growing dispute between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) government in West Bengal is threatening to derail crucial development initiatives, with accusations of political obstruction and fund withholding reaching a fever pitch. The latest salvo was fired by BJP MP Saumitra Khan, who publicly accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of deliberately hindering the implementation of central schemes due to "vendetta politics."

Speaking yesterday, Khan claimed the state government is actively impeding the flow of funds allocated for central programs, directly impacting development projects and harming the citizens of Bengal. He alleges a systematic pattern of obstruction, citing difficulties faced by central officials attempting to implement schemes on the ground and deliberate delays in project approvals.

"The Bengal government is creating a hindrance for the central officials. They are stopping the funds that are supposed to come for central schemes. The funds are being withheld due to political vendetta," Khan stated, echoing concerns increasingly voiced by other BJP leaders regarding governance in the state.

This isn't an isolated incident. For years, a contentious relationship has characterized the dynamic between the central government and the West Bengal administration. While both sides officially state a commitment to the welfare of the Bengali people, differing ideologies and political ambitions have consistently led to friction. The core of the current dispute seems to revolve around the implementation of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY - housing scheme), the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and various infrastructure development projects.

The BJP alleges the state government is selectively implementing these schemes, favoring areas aligned with the AITC's political base and neglecting opposition strongholds. Furthermore, they claim that even when funds are received, the state government adds layers of bureaucratic hurdles, effectively delaying or preventing their disbursement to intended beneficiaries. Reports have surfaced, corroborated by local BJP workers, of inflated project costs and discrepancies in beneficiary lists - allegations the AITC vehemently denies.

In response to Khan's assertions, a state government official countered, shifting the blame back to the central government, stating that New Delhi is the one withholding funds from the state. This official, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted a significant backlog of unpaid dues owed to West Bengal by the central government for various programs and disaster relief efforts. "The Centre owes a lot of funds to the state government, and yet they point fingers at us. Bengal has been implementing all central schemes as per guidelines, despite the financial constraints imposed by the delayed reimbursements," they stated.

The official further argued that the state government is committed to the welfare of its citizens and has consistently demonstrated its ability to efficiently implement central schemes when provided with adequate funding. They point to West Bengal's strong performance in several social welfare indicators as evidence of this commitment.

The dispute has broader implications, potentially impacting national developmental goals. West Bengal, with a population exceeding 90 million, is a vital economic and social hub. Stalled development projects not only affect the state's economy but also hinder national progress. The conflict is now spilling over into the political arena, with both parties gearing up for upcoming local and national elections. Analysts predict this issue will become a key talking point, with each side attempting to mobilize public opinion in its favor.

Experts suggest a thorough and impartial investigation is needed to determine the root cause of the delays and discrepancies. "Independent audits of scheme implementation, coupled with transparent accounting of funds received and disbursed, are crucial to resolving this impasse," says Dr. Arpita Chatterjee, a political science professor at Calcutta University. "Political posturing on both sides is hindering constructive dialogue. The focus should be on ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach the intended beneficiaries, regardless of political affiliation."

The situation is becoming increasingly complex. Recent reports indicate that the central government is considering stricter oversight mechanisms for fund disbursement to states, a move that the AITC views as an infringement on state autonomy. The coming months will be critical in determining whether a resolution can be found, or if Bengal's development will continue to be caught in the crossfire of political rivalry.