Kolkata: The Bengal BJP on Friday launched a strong attack against the Trinamool Congress government, accusing it of orchestrating a massive ₹100 crore scam in flood relief distribution in Malda district following the devastating 2017 floods. The allegations are based on a 700-page Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which has been submitted to the Calcutta High Court.
According to the BJP, the CAG’s findings reveal serious irregularities in fund distribution. The party claims that 6,965 individuals received relief funds multiple times, some on as many as 42 separate occasions, into the same bank accounts. The BJP highlighted one shocking instance from Harishchandrapur-2 block, where a single individual allegedly received relief payments 42 times.
The party also alleged improper allocation of ₹7.5 crore toward damages for pucca houses, despite the District Magistrate confirming no such structures were damaged in the floods.
Victims Still Await Relief
Amid the political storm, many genuine victims say they are still waiting for basic support. Ashok Das, a 52-year-old physically challenged resident of Harishchandrapur, said his family remains homeless nine years after the disaster.
“My house was destroyed in the 2017 floods, yet we received nothing,” Das said. “We were shortlisted but Trinamool leaders denied us help. I have paralysis, three daughters, and no support. They looted all the funds.”
His wife, Archana Das, echoed similar frustration, saying the family continues to struggle to survive and educate their children.
BJP Accuses TMC Leaders and Officials
The BJP further alleged that 108 government employees and public representatives, including those linked to the Trinamool Congress, illegally received relief funds meant for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, even while drawing regular salaries.
“This is a matter of shame,” said BJP leader Priyanka Tibrewal. “The CAG report exposes a ₹100 crore scam where funds meant for flood victims were diverted to TMC party workers. Similar corruption occurred during COVID-19 and Cyclone Amphan.”
BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar claimed that the scam “proves Bengal is going through a corrupt era under TMC rule.”
North Malda BJP General Secretary Abhishek Singhania alleged that funds sent by the Centre for the poor were instead pocketed by local TMC panchayat heads and members.
TMC Yet to Respond
As the controversy intensifies, the Trinamool Congress has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. The matter now rests before the Calcutta High Court, where further scrutiny of the CAG report is expected.