How Can Mamata Banerjee Afford Rs 3 Lakh/Day Hotel In Madrid? Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Targets Bengal CM's Spain Trip

West Bengal Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her trip to Spain amidst the rising cases of dengue in the state, suggesting that she can travel to Spain but seems incapable of empathising with the people's suffering.

"We had already cautioned the state government about the escalating dengue cases during August-September. This reflects the government's indifference to the common people's plight. While they can jet off to Spain, they seem disconnected from the hardships faced by our citizens," remarked Chowdhury during a press conference in Murshidabad.

The Congress leader further censured Banerjee for her stay at a luxurious hotel in Spain during her European visit. "How much did you spend on this trip? Which industrialist have you brought here? Don't fool the people here," he added.

"We've heard that the Chief Minister refuses her salary and sustains herself through book sales and art. How then, can she afford a Rs 3 lakh per day hotel in Madrid?" questioned Choudhury, labeling the trip as a 'luxury excursion.'

"If even 10 percent of what was spent on the Biswa Bangla industrial meet had returned, it could have provided employment to numerous unemployed individuals in Bengal. We want to know which Spanish companies are interested in investing in Bengal," he added.

Regarding the Vande Bharat Express trains inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chowdhury stated, "PM Modi had promised Bullet trains, but now we have these 'Guler' (joke) trains. Vande Bharats do not operate at their designated speed, and their fares are higher than regular trains."

Addressing Shantiniketan's inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, the Congress MP remarked, "Shantiniketan requires no additional validation. It stands on its own merits... First, ensure a conducive study environment in Shantiniketan as Rabindranath envisioned. There's a daily tussle between RSS and TMC ideologues."

Chowdhury dismissed the recent recognition of Murshidabad's Kiriteshwari village as India's Best Tourism Village by the Ministry of Culture, asserting that the village has nothing an ancient temple.

"There is little in Kiriteswari except for an ancient temple. They engage in temple politics, let them do so... I would like to see every Nawab-era architectural gem in Murshidabad preserved. I have met and submitted a letter to Minister Meghawal regarding this," he expressed.

Regarding the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in a Special Session of Parliament, the Congress leader opined that such actions are introduced to divert attention from the real issues faced by the public.

"The Modi government brings up new issues before elections. Sometimes it's the Women's Reservation Bill, and sometimes it's One Nation One Election... Implementing 'One Nation One Election' in our country is no easy task. Modi knows it, and everyone else does too. However, addressing current issues is essential. These distractions are meant to divert people from their real problems," he concluded.