Kolkata: During the Budget Session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a sharp attack on the previous Trinamool Congress government and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, leveling several allegations of corruption, misuse of public funds, and administrative irregularities. In his nearly 57-minute speech, he said that his government’s mantra would not only be “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with All, Development for All) but also “Sabka Hisaab” (Accountability for All). He claimed that the people had taught the Trinamool Congress a lesson and that every instance of corruption during the previous government’s tenure would now be investigated.

Displaying a document in the Assembly, Adhikari alleged that approximately ₹324.70 crore had been transferred to FICCI in the name of the Bengal Global Business Summit. He questioned whether public funds could be handed over to private institutions in such a manner. He further alleged that several welfare schemes under the previous government were marred by serious irregularities. Referring to schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar, Ujjwala Yojana, Old-Age Pension, Sikshashree, Medhashree, Tapashili Bandhu, Jai Johar, MGNREGA, and Minority Scholarships, he asked who had ultimately looted the people’s money.

The Chief Minister also stated that no individual involved in corruption would be spared. He announced that a bill would be introduced during the current session to enable the confiscation and auction of properties belonging to those found guilty of corruption. He further remarked that the luxurious houses located on Harish Mukherjee Road and Harish Chatterjee Street would be used to accommodate people who are currently forced to spend their nights on roadsides and under flyovers. The statement was widely interpreted as a reference to the residences of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.

Adhikari also described Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee as the principal architect of corruption. Citing stone quarries in Birbhum, he claimed that his government had generated ₹83 crore in revenue in just one month, whereas the previous government reported only ₹60 crore in revenue for an entire year. He alleged that the remaining money was routed to Dubai through Camac Street. He also claimed that before the elections, a contractor from the Public Health Engineering Department had paid ₹10 crore to I-PAC.

During his speech, Adhikari also commented on Mamata Banerjee’s political future, stating that she would never return to power and that her political chapter had come to an end. He recalled that over the past five years he had been expelled from the Assembly multiple times and that 102 cases had been filed against him. Although many of those cases were later dismissed by the High Court and the Supreme Court, he said he still had to mention 35 cases in his election affidavits.

He further stated that he had to approach the courts 104 times in order to organize political events. He accused Mamata Banerjee of attempting to suppress democratic opposition. Referring to the Nandigram election, he said that Mamata Banerjee had lost to him there and later suffered defeat in Bhabanipur as well. Taking a swipe at her, he remarked, “Can a leader who loses even at her own booth be considered a people’s leader?”

Meanwhile, another decision of the West Bengal government has sparked a fresh political and social controversy. The government has announced that ISKCON will now manage the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in government and government-aided schools within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area. As a result, it has become clear that eggs will no longer be included in the meals served to students. The scheme will be implemented through ISKCON’s Annamitra Foundation and is expected to provide meals to approximately one lakh students.

ISKCON Vice President and spokesperson Radharaman Das said that soybeans, kidney beans, paneer, lentils, beans, and other vegetarian protein sources would be included in place of eggs. According to him, nutrition experts are helping design meals that will provide nutritional benefits equal to or greater than those obtained from eggs. He also noted that since 2004, ISKCON has been running mid-day meal programs in several states and 22 cities across India, serving millions of children.

However, opposition to the decision has already begun. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien alleged that children were being deprived of nutrition and that vegetarianism was being imposed upon them. He argued that West Bengal’s social and cultural traditions embrace diverse dietary practices and that removing eggs from the menu could adversely affect children’s nutrition.

Political analysts believe that since Suvendu Adhikari became Chief Minister, West Bengal has been witnessing rapid administrative and political changes. Action against corruption has intensified, while alleged illegal practices such as “cut money” and “Bhaipo tax” have reportedly been curbed. Campaigns against illegal infiltration have been strengthened, and anti-encroachment drives are underway in various areas. The state government has reiterated that every rupee from the public treasury will be spent solely on public welfare and development. Analysts also note that provisions in this year’s budget aimed at job creation, industrial growth, and investment promotion have generated fresh optimism among the people, raising expectations that Bengal may move toward a new phase of economic and administrative development in the coming years.