A recent social media exchange has ignited a verbal clash between Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress and Rekha Sharma, the Chairperson of the National Women’s Commission. The altercation stemmed from a Trinamool post on X, previously known as Twitter, focusing on Rekha Patra, a woman from Sandeshkhali, whom the BJP has nominated as its candidate for Basirhat Lok Sabha seat, a constituency that encompasses her village in the Sundarbans island.
Trinamool Congress shared an image of Patra’s state government health card, known as Swasthasathi card, alleging her of hypocrisy for availing benefits from schemes initiated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while aligning with what they termed as “Delhi’s JOMIDARS” – a reference to the BJP-led central government.
In a tweet, the TMC said, “.@BJP4India‘s MP candidate from Basirhat, Rekha Patra, plays the ultimate game of hypocrisy, enjoying the benefits of Smt. @MamataOfficial‘s schemes while aligning herself with Delhi’s JOMIDARS. PM @narendramodi, the next time you call her, don’t forget to inquire about her Swasthya Sathi card. It might help you understand how our leader’s brainchild, Swasthya Sathi, surpasses the failed Ayushman Bharat scheme.”
Caught red-handed!
.@BJP4India‘s MP candidate from Basirhat, Rekha Patra, plays the ultimate game of hypocrisy, enjoying the benefits of Smt. @MamataOfficial‘s schemes while aligning herself with Delhi’s JOMIDARS.
PM @narendramodi, the next time you call her, don’t forget to… pic.twitter.com/pUX3jI7kGZ
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) March 28, 2024
However, the tweet led to a war of words after Rekha Sharma swiftly responded to the accusations, questioning whether the benefits were solely for Trinamool workers and challenged the term “Delhi’s Jomidars,” which she interpreted as an insinuation that West Bengal is not part of India.
Sharma tweeted, “Is @MamataOfficial is paying from her own pocket? That’s taxpayers money and is for every citizen of west Bengal. Is it only for @AITCofficial workers? And what do you mean by Delhi’s Jomidars? Is west Bengal not part of India? You people behave as if Momta Benarji own the state.”
Is @MamataOfficial is paying from her own pocket? That’s taxpayers money and is for every citizen of west Bengal. Is it only for @AITCofficial workers? And what do you mean by Delhi’s Jomidars? Is west Bengal not part of India? You people behave as if Momta Benarji own the state. https://t.co/IGBODNZd7S
— Rekha Sharma (@sharmarekha) March 28, 2024
The Trinamool, in its retort, defended its stance by highlighting the substantial amount of taxes collected from Bengal by the central government and the alleged withholding of funds for crucial schemes, emphasizing the financial strain faced by the state.
The TMC tweeted, “Why do we call them Delhi’s Jomidars? Because despite collecting Rs 4.6 lakh crore as taxes from Bengal, BJP-led Centre has withheld Rs 1.6 lakh crore for crucial schemes. Also, being the chairperson of @NCWIndia you’re distorting the name of the only female CM of India? SHAME!”
Amidst the online spat, observers pointed out that the Trinamool inadvertently disclosed personal data of the candidate, including her phone number and bank account details.
The candidacy of Rekha Patra, known for her involvement in protests against Trinamool’s Sheikh Shahjahan, has become a significant topic of discussion in the state. Alongside the contest between Trinamool’s Mahua Moitra and Amrita Roy of Krishnanagar’s erstwhile royal family, the upcoming assembly elections are increasingly viewed as a battleground for women’s votes, a demographic that has historically supported Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
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