A controversial remark by a West Bengal BJP leader has sparked a major political row ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Kalipada Sengupta, a member of the BJP’s State committee, advised men to lock up their wives who are beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to stop them from voting. He made the statement during a public meeting in Ghatal, Paschim Medinipur district.
The Trinamool Congress reacted strongly, calling the remark anti-women and deeply regressive. Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP of promoting feudal and patriarchal thinking. He said women empowered by the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme would respond through the ballot and defeat regressive politics.
State Minister and TMC leader Sashi Panja termed the comment shameful and intimidating. She said women have every right to file FIRs against leaders issuing such threats. The controversy has intensified political tensions in the State.
The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, launched in February 2021, provides monthly financial assistance to over 2.23 crore women. Women in the general category receive ₹1,000 per month, while those from reserved categories receive ₹1,200. The scheme is widely seen as a key factor behind strong female voter support for the Trinamool Congress.
The remarks come despite assurances from BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, that no welfare scheme will be scrapped if the party comes to power in 2026.
