‘Take BJP’s money, but vote for Trinamool’: Abhishek Banerjee's explosive call
Kolkata: In a no-holds-barred attack that has sent political temperatures soaring in Bengal, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday urged voters to turn BJP’s campaign into a “household service drive”.
Addressing his first election rally in Patharpratima, South 24 Parganas, Banerjee didn’t hold back. “When BJP candidates come to campaign, make them clean your homes, massage your hands and feet, shave your beard, cut your hair,” he said, taking a sharp dig at viral visuals showing BJP leaders performing such acts during outreach.
The remark, dripping with sarcasm, was aimed at what the Trinamool calls BJP’s ‘election-time theatrics’. “Right now they’ll do anything for votes. After the 4th, they’ll vanish,” Banerjee added, framing the BJP as opportunistic outsiders.
The BJP hit back, calling the comments “demeaning and desperate”, while Trinamool doubled down, insisting the statement reflects public frustration with leaders who “disappear after elections”.
However, Banerjee didn’t stop at jibes. He laid out an aggressive political target, a clean 31–0 sweep in South 24 Parganas, and backed it with a data-heavy pitch on governance. From 297 km of rural roads under the Pathashree scheme to lakhs of beneficiaries under Lakshmir Bhandar, Khadya Sathi, and Swasthya Sathi, the Trinamool leader sought to contrast “work on the ground” with BJP’s promises.
He also took a direct swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of failing to deliver on a ₹2 lakh crore promise for the Sundarbans. “We’ve given our report card. Ask them for theirs,” Banerjee challenged.
In a more controversial turn, Banerjee alleged that BJP leaders are attempting to poach Trinamool’s booth-level workers with money. His message to party workers: “Take their money, but vote for Trinamool.”
The statement has added fuel to an already heated campaign, with both sides trading sharp accusations as Bengal heads deeper into election mode. With high-decibel rhetoric, personal attacks, and sweeping claims, South 24 Parganas is fast emerging as a key political flashpoint, and Banerjee’s remarks have ensured the battle just got a lot louder.