The recent inauguration of several new sections of the Kolkata Metro has ignited a fierce political credit war, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) all vying to claim responsibility for the infrastructure project. The verbal sparring underscores the high stakes of infrastructure development as a political tool in West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections.
The dispute came to a head following the official launch of the new metro lines, which included crucial links to the airport and between major railway terminals. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a key figure in the central government, presided over the inauguration, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was notably absent.
TMC Claims
Mamata Banerjee and the TMC have been vocal in asserting their role, with the Chief Minister taking to social media to state that the projects were planned and sanctioned during her tenure as the Union Railways Minister. She detailed her efforts in drawing up blueprints, securing funds, and initiating work on the metro corridors. The TMC government has also emphasized its crucial role as the state partner, citing its efforts in providing land, rehabilitating displaced persons, and clearing administrative hurdles to ensure the projects moved forward.
BJP Claims
On the other hand, the BJP, led by Prime Minister Modi, has emphasized the central government’s financial and administrative commitment. The party’s narrative is that these projects, which had been stalled for years, were finally expedited and brought to completion under the current central leadership. They present the successful inauguration as a testament to the BJP’s “development-focused” agenda and its commitment to improving Kolkata’s urban infrastructure.
CPI (M) Claims
Adding another layer to the conflict, the CPI(M) has also entered the fray, arguing that the foundation for these projects was laid during the Left Front’s governance in the state. Leaders from the party have pointed to the initial planning and proposals that were initiated under the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government, suggesting that the current parties are merely building upon a legacy that was established by the Left.
Political observers in the city note that this credit war is a predictable outcome, as major infrastructure projects are often used by political parties to showcase their effectiveness and deliverability to the electorate. The new metro lines are a significant boon for commuters, promising to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity in a city known for its bustling roads. However, the public’s excitement is now overshadowed by the political maneuvering, as each party attempts to leverage the project’s success for their own political gain.