Lucknow

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee, alleging that her tenure as West Bengal Chief Minister was marked by fear, discrimination and a lack of development.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Goyal claimed that the state had suffered under what he described as an oppressive administration that failed to deliver growth and public welfare over the past fifteen years.

According to the Union Minister, the atmosphere of fear that once prevailed in the state had prevented people from expressing their views freely. He argued that the political situation has changed and that citizens are now openly voicing their opinions.

Goyal further suggested that even senior leaders within the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) are now able to speak more freely. Referring to the party's internal tensions, he said West Bengal had effectively been "liberated" from what he termed the excesses of the Mamata Banerjee government.

Expressing confidence in the future, Goyal said the state could witness a new phase of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

His remarks came against the backdrop of growing unrest within the TMC, where a public dispute has emerged between senior party MP Kalyan Banerjee and the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Speaking to reporters in Kolkata on Wednesday, Kalyan Banerjee expressed strong displeasure over the handling of a signature forgery case, alleging that Abhishek Banerjee had appointed another lawyer without consulting him despite his involvement in the matter.

The veteran MP said he felt disrespected and announced that he would no longer represent Abhishek Banerjee in legal proceedings. He accused the TMC leader of displaying an arrogant attitude and claimed that the party's current difficulties stem from his conduct.

In a dramatic appeal to Mamata Banerjee, Kalyan Banerjee urged the TMC chief to choose between him and her nephew, saying he would remain loyal to her but not work alongside Abhishek Banerjee under the present circumstances.

He also revealed that senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien had contacted him following the dispute, while Mamata Banerjee had yet to speak to him directly.

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The controversy has intensified speculation about factionalism within the TMC at a time when the party is also dealing with reports of internal dissent and the resignation of several Rajya Sabha members.