Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee revealed plans for special initiatives before the West Bengal Assembly elections to engage with the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The party will conduct a targeted campaign in 84 Assembly constituencies predominantly populated by SCs and STs. A unique campaign vehicle will be deployed with three to four individuals visiting households to spread awareness.
Abhishek Banerjee disclosed these strategies during the Trinamool Congress’s ‘Scheduled Castes Dialogue’ event at Nazrul Mancha in Kolkata. He criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly mistreating SCs and STs nationwide. Banerjee referenced a National Crime Bureau report, highlighting BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh for reported atrocities against SCs.
Moreover, the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal has initiated various development projects, such as Lakshmir Bhandar, aimed at empowering SC and ST women. Under this scheme, the monthly allowance has risen from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,700 over five years. Banerjee emphasized the importance of educating voters about the party’s accomplishments for SCs and STs.
While encouraging party members to intensify efforts, Banerjee cautioned against complacency and urged them to double their voting outreach. He also mocked the BJP’s ‘Parivartan Rath Yatra’ program, questioning its timing and intentions. Banerjee aimed to limit BJP’s seats in West Bengal to below 50 and ensure their return to other states post-election.
In a parallel move, the BJP initiated the Parivartan Yatra to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress in the upcoming state Assembly elections. Five such yatras are scheduled from different districts, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah launching one from South 24 Parganas district.
