Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamul’s national general secretary, at Belda, West Midnapore, on Saturday, came down heavily on the BJP-led centre for not releasing MGNREGS wages in Bengal, making it clear that the Centre's funds freeze was a major Trinamul poll plank to counter the BJP ahead of the polls.

“They (the Centre) are anti-Bengal… We won't be able to ask anybody to work without pay. But they (the Centre) have exactly done this,” said Abhishek, also the Diamond Harbour MP.

“I spent two months on the road. I did not go home for even a day. I was on the road leaving my wife and children. I fought for funds under the 100 days’ job scheme. Tell me have you got your due wages,” he added.

"He (Abhishek) wanted to ensure that the people of Bengal recall how the cash-strapped state government cleared the due wages of nearly 59 lakh job card holders. The state spent more than Rs 2,600 crore to clear the dues. It is obvious that our national general secretary would raise it to corner the BJP ahead of the polls,” said a Trinamul leader.

Abhishek pointed out that the Centre did not release funds for dwelling units for 11.36 lakh beneficiaries under the rural housing scheme although the state government forwarded names after a three-step verification.

He hinted the state government would release funds for dwelling units soon after the polls if the Centre did not release funds: “Enough is enough.... We won't beg anymore. If the chief minister can clear the dues under the 100 days’ job scheme, she can give funds for housing units in rural areas.”

"The chief minister spends more than Rs 25,000 crore for the welfare of women. The Centre did not give even 10 paisa for this purpose.... Think twice before you vote,” said Abhishek.

He alleged that Dilip Ghosh, the Midnapore BJP MP, dishonoured women repeatedly and urged people to vote for Trinamul candidate June Malia.

He mocked the BJP for the apparent delay in its second list of candidates for Bengal, saying "they (the BJP)" were waiting for "some of our discards to leave the party".

Apology demand

Trinamul leaders on Saturday demanded BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari apologise for his “derogatory” remarks on chief minister Mamata Banerjee's injury.