In a high-octane debate in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal. He accused the Mamata Banerjee-led administration of systematically blocking central agricultural welfare schemes, thereby committing a “sin” against the farmers of the state. Chouhan’s remarks came during the Question Hour as TMC members staged a protest in the Well of the House.

Responding to supplementary questions, Chouhan highlighted that crucial initiatives like the ‘PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ have not been implemented in West Bengal due to the state government’s non-cooperation. He noted that four districts from the state—Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram—were selected under a special program to boost production, but the state remained indifferent. “Those who are shouting slogans here are not letting benefits reach the ground in West Bengal. It is a gross injustice to the farmers,” Chouhan asserted.

The Minister further alleged that the state government is engaged in “mean politics” by refusing to adopt digital IDs for farmers and other technological reforms introduced by the Centre. He suggested that the political landscape in Bengal would change after the upcoming Assembly elections, as the people are tired of being deprived of their rightful benefits. As the war of words intensified in Parliament, it became clear that the plight of farmers will be a major battleground issue in the high-stakes Bengal elections.