New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a strong criticism of the West Bengal government in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of failing to maintain law and order and allowing a culture of violence to dominate the state. Her remarks came while replying to the debate on the Union Budget 2026-27.
Responding to comments made by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on the Goods and Services Tax, the minister rejected his claim that people in Bengal were burdened with tax even after death for lighting an incense stick. She described the statement as unfortunate and suggested that corruption rather than taxation had become a norm in the state.
Sitharaman also questioned why petrol prices in West Bengal remain significantly higher than in many other regions. She asked the state leadership why it had not reduced fuel taxes if it truly wanted to ease the burden on common citizens.
Turning to issues of women safety, the minister referred to the RG Kar hospital rape case and other incidents of sexual violence. She criticised the approach of the state administration and said it was shocking that a woman chief minister had advised women to avoid going out at night instead of ensuring their protection.
Alleging a complete breakdown of governance, Sitharaman declared that Bengal was being run by a bomb culture rather than by the rule of law. Her statement triggered protests from TMC members in the House.
The minister also addressed objections raised by Bengal leaders over the mention of Dankuni in the Budget speech. She clarified that the Centre’s plan to build a dedicated freight corridor from Dankuni to Surat was a fresh initiative and not a repetition of any earlier proposal. According to her, a previous announcement made years ago had not materialised and the present government was introducing a new project.
Outlining the broader features of the Budget, Sitharaman said the effective capital expenditure for the coming financial year would be more than seventeen lakh crore rupees, aimed at infrastructure growth and employment creation. She highlighted initiatives in artificial intelligence education, industrial expansion and logistics development, adding that the Centre was ready to cooperate with states on textile parks and skill programmes.
The Budget debate in the Lok Sabha concluded on Wednesday, and the Finance Minister is scheduled to present her reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday as the session continues amid sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches.
