On Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched his campaign for the West Bengal Assembly elections, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of fostering “hate-filled thinking” and working to erode the Constitution. His campaign kick-off took place in Raiganj, located in Uttar Dinajpur, where he also claimed that the BJP was engaged in electoral fraud.
Gandhi further criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for allegedly facilitating the BJP’s influence in West Bengal. He stated, “The Union Budget has offered nothing for Bengal. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi is corrupt, the TMC is equally culpable.”
During his address, Gandhi emphasized the ongoing struggle against the divisive ideology propagated by the RSS and BJP, asserting, “Our fight in this country is against their hate-mongering ideology.” He also referenced the Epstein file, suggesting that it includes names of Indian ministers, BJP officials, and Narendra Modi.
Additionally, Gandhi targeted industrialist Gautam Adani, alleging that the Adani Group has close ties with the BJP. “Adani funds the BJP, and it’s more appropriate to refer to it as the ‘Modani’ company, as it is shared between Adani and Modi,” he claimed.
In light of the recent rape and murder case at RG Kar Hospital, Gandhi criticized the TMC government for its perceived inaction and questioned its approach to maintaining law and order. He remarked, “Trinamool goons are significantly involved in what transpired at RG Kar Hospital, yet the government has failed to take responsibility.” He added that while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is offering allowances to the unemployed, the reality is stark, with 5 lakh youths reportedly finding employment while 84 lakhs await assistance.
Rahul Gandhi is campaigning for the Congress in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, marking his return to the state five years after previously leading the party’s efforts there.
Atri Mitra, a seasoned Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, boasts over 20 years of experience in journalism. His reporting is well-regarded for its in-depth regional insights and focus on significant administrative and political developments, establishing him as a credible expert in his field.
Currently serving as a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, Mitra has developed extensive reporting expertise, particularly in political news from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, offering a nuanced understanding of the socio-political dynamics in these areas.
His notable coverage includes critical electoral events, having reported on the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and the 2010 assembly elections while at Anandabazar Patrika, as well as covering the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha elections during his tenure with News18-Bangla. Mitra’s career began at Anandabazar Patrika, where he spent over fifteen years, including a three-year period as the Bihar correspondent.
Educationally, Atri Mitra holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, which provides him with a strong analytical foundation for his political and administrative reporting. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Calcutta University and has attended prestigious institutions such as St. Xavier’s, Kolkata, and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.
Mitra’s extensive experience, focus on political and administrative issues, and solid academic background position him as a trusted source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India.
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