A political row has reignited in West Bengal over the disbursement of PM-KISAN funds, with the BJP and TMC exchanging sharp allegations.
BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya claimed that more than ₹10,500 crore has been transferred to farmers in West Bengal under the Pradhan Mantri-KISAN scheme. He added that the 21st installment alone covered 46 lakh farmers, amounting to ₹920 crore. According to him, farmers were deprived of the first nine installments due to the State government’s “reluctance” to join the scheme, delaying benefits meant for the rural poor.
Bhattacharya alleged that the TMC-led government actively hindered central welfare schemes from reaching marginalised communities.
The TMC dismissed the charges. Party spokesperson Jay Prakash Majumdar called the BJP’s claims “preposterous and baseless,” arguing that the Centre cannot deny funds to States after receiving verified beneficiary lists.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has previously accused the Centre of withholding PM-KISAN payments, prompting her government to launch its own aid programme, offering ₹5,000 to farmers along with free crop insurance.
The dispute continues as both parties seek to control the narrative ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
