14 April,2026 05:09 PM IST | Raiganj/Malda | mid-day online correspondent
Rahul Gandhi. Pic/PTI
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp political offensive in poll-bound West Bengal, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of undermining the Constitution, while also criticising the ruling All India Trinamool Congress over unemployment and governance issues in the state, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing rallies in Raiganj and Malda, Gandhi combined attacks on both the Centre and the state government, positioning Congress as an alternative capable of challenging the BJP at the national level.
Gandhi alleged that the BJP and RSS were eroding the Constitution through what he described as "hate-driven politics." He further accused the two organisations of manipulating electoral processes, claiming they were involved in "vote theft," reported PTI.
He also criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling it unconstitutional and alleging that such exercises were used to influence voter lists in favour of the ruling party.
Turning his focus to the state government led by Mamata Banerjee, Gandhi accused it of failing to deliver on employment promises.
He claimed that while the government had assured jobs to five lakh people, around 84 lakh youths had applied for unemployment allowance, indicating a significant gap between promises and delivery. He further alleged that industries in the state had shut down, contributing to rising joblessness, reported PTI.
Gandhi asserted that the Congress remains the only party capable of taking on the BJP nationwide, suggesting that regional parties like the TMC lack the reach to counter the saffron party at the national level, reported PTI.
He also promised that if Congress comes to power, names of individuals allegedly removed from electoral rolls during the revision process would be restored.
The Congress leader accused the TMC government of corruption, referring to past financial scandals and alleging that syndicates linked to ruling party members were benefiting from irregularities, reported PTI.
He also charged the state administration with fostering a culture of violence and failing to maintain transparency, while claiming that central funds due to West Bengal had not been fully released by the NDA government, reported PTI.
Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over economic and foreign policy decisions, particularly in relation to a proposed trade agreement with the United States, reported PTI.
He claimed that such a deal could adversely impact small and medium enterprises in India, leading to job losses and weakening domestic industries. Gandhi further alleged that India's agriculture and energy sectors were being compromised due to external pressures, reported PTI.
Additionally, he raised concerns about data security, alleging that sensitive national data was being shared in a manner that could affect national security.
With elections approaching in West Bengal, Gandhi's remarks signal an intensifying political contest involving the Congress, BJP, and TMC. His dual criticism of both the Centre and the state government reflects the party's strategy to expand its influence in the region.
The rallies in Raiganj and Malda - areas where Congress has historically maintained a presence - highlight the party's efforts to regain political ground and mobilise voters ahead of the polls.
(With inputs from PTI)
