TMC leader Sushmita Dev questions BJP’s ‘White Paper’ push, raises Assam syndicate allegations

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sushmita Dev on Saturday, April 11 criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its poll narrative in West Bengal, questioning the Centre’s focus on alleged corruption in the state while raising concerns about purported syndicate operations in Assam.

Reacting to remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on releasing a “white paper” on alleged corruption involving TMC leaders, Dev said the government should also address allegations of syndicate networks in Assam. She referred to claims of coal-related operations as well as localised “paan and egg syndicates,” urging the Prime Minister to present a similar report on Assam.

“The Prime Minister must release a white paper in Bengal, but he must also say something about those who are the kings of syndicates in Assam,” Dev said, alleging inconsistency in the BJP’s approach to corruption.

On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, Dev alleged procedural irregularities and said the exercise had affected voters across communities. She stated that names of both Hindu and Muslim voters were removed during the revision process.

The TMC leader maintained that her party is not opposed to the revision exercise in principle, but alleged that it was conducted in violation of established norms. She further claimed that the process reflected coordination between the BJP and the Election Commission of India, an allegation she did not substantiate.

“The Election Commission carried out the process by breaking all laws and rules, something that has never happened in the country before,” she said.

Dev also expressed confidence in her party’s electoral prospects, asserting that the TMC would retain power in West Bengal.