In response to the recent storm wreaking havoc in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alongside her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, announced financial aid of Rs 1.20 lakh to 500 families left homeless. Despite facing hurdles from the Election Commission of India (ECI), Mamata asserted that the state would proceed with assistance under disaster provisions.
Initial instalments of Rs 20,000 have been disbursed to families who lost their homes, with those facing partial damages receiving Rs 5,000. Abhishek Banerjee, addressing the plight in Mainaguri’s Barnish, emphasised the imminent transfer of the remaining Rs 40,000 to affected families’ bank accounts. Since March 31, the Trinamul leadership, including Mamata and Abhishek, has been actively engaged in providing support to the affected populace, with Mamata personally visiting the regions and party leaders working on-ground to aid homeless families.
The BJP’s response has been criticised for its lack of prompt action, with little presence observed in the affected areas. Notably, the Prime Minister’s brief mentions of the disaster during his visits and failed attempts by the BJP to organise meetings with affected families have drawn attention. Abhishek Banerjee highlighted the ECI’s failure to grant permission for assistance, citing police intervention in arresting their delegates instead.
Trinamool’s proactive engagement with the affected communities, exemplified by leaders such as Arpita Ghosh, Md. Nadimul Haque, Vivek Gupta, Sudip Raha, Dola Sen, and Santanu Sen, have underscored their commitment to grassroots support amidst the crisis. This development is poised to have significant political implications in the lead-up to the elections.
