kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, May 30: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Rahul Sinha has strongly criticized the Trinamool Congress over its comments regarding the Annapurna Scheme. His remarks came after the 12-page application form related to the scheme became public, prompting several leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress to raise questions and express concerns about various aspects of the proposed initiative.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday morning, Rahul Sinha asserted that the Trinamool Congress has no moral or political authority to criticize or question the Annapurna Scheme. According to him, the party should first address allegations that have been raised regarding the implementation of the Lakshmir Bhandar welfare scheme before commenting on other initiatives.

Sinha alleged that under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, benefits have been provided to individuals who are not legitimate beneficiaries. He claimed that allegations have surfaced suggesting that infiltrators, family members of affluent Trinamool leaders, and in some cases even men were granted benefits under a scheme intended for specific categories of women beneficiaries. He stated that the BJP is examining these allegations and investigating various complaints related to the implementation of the welfare programme.

The BJP leader argued that such accusations raise questions about the transparency and effectiveness of welfare distribution mechanisms. He maintained that before criticizing other schemes, the Trinamool Congress should explain the allegations associated with its own welfare initiatives and ensure that benefits are reaching eligible recipients.

Rahul Sinha also commented on the issue of illegal immigration and the presence of Bangladeshi nationals allegedly residing in India without authorization. Referring to the matter, he said that the government has already made its position clear regarding individuals who are staying in the country illegally. According to him, those identified as Bangladeshi citizens living in India without legal permission must return to their country of origin or face action under the law.

He claimed that this policy stance has already resulted in some individuals leaving voluntarily. According to Sinha, while some people are moving toward the Bangladesh border, others are allegedly relocating to different parts of India in an attempt to avoid detection. He stated that authorities would continue efforts to identify such individuals and take appropriate action in accordance with legal procedures.

The BJP leader further asserted that people found to be residing in the country illegally would be identified one by one and sent back to Bangladesh after the necessary verification and legal processes. He emphasized that the issue of infiltration remains an important concern and that the government is committed to addressing it through administrative and legal measures.

Rahul Sinha’s comments touched on two politically sensitive issues in West Bengal—welfare scheme implementation and illegal immigration. His remarks are likely to intensify the ongoing political debate between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, particularly over allegations regarding beneficiary selection in government schemes and differing approaches to handling immigration-related concerns.