BJP legislator Shankar Ghosh called off his 24-hour hunger strike in Siliguri Friday, marking a bold stand against what he calls systematic sabotage of opposition voices in West Bengal. Stationed at bustling Hati More, the protest kicked off Thursday to champion constitutional safeguards for MLAs and streamline MLALAD scheme disbursals.
Coinciding with Netaji Jayanti, Ghosh honored the icon while lambasting current rulers. ‘The British oppressed us; now TMC leaders mimic that by pressuring opposition MLAs,’ he told reporters, underscoring the fast’s purpose.
Pointing fingers at Mamata Banerjee’s administration, Ghosh detailed harassment tactics: intentional blocks on development funds meant for local infrastructure. ‘Elected representatives are handcuffed, their limited MLALAD allocations frozen amid political vendettas,’ he charged.
Since taking office, he’s witnessed power abuse firsthand—rights eroded, projects derailed. A prior memo to the CM went unanswered, as did letters to top officials and outreach to the local mayor.
District authorities face similar ire for stalling fund releases. Yet Ghosh remains resolute: no quest for clash, just fair play for development. This episode amplifies concerns over democratic erosion in the state, fueling BJP’s narrative against TMC dominance.