The headline reflects recent allegations involving a male member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), who is accused of unlawfully receiving benefits from the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, intended specifically for women. This revelation emerged following comments from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who indicated that such irregularities were present among TMC leaders. This comes at a challenging time for the party, which is facing multiple corruption allegations subsequent to recent electoral setbacks.

During a press conference on May 27, 2026, Chief Minister Suvendu announced the Annapurna Yojana, an initiative designed to enhance the benefits provided under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Under the original framework established by Mamata Banerjee’s government, eligible women received a direct monthly payment of Rs 1,500, while women belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories were entitled to Rs 1,700. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pledged to increase these amounts to Rs 3,000.

Chief Minister Suvendu highlighted concerns about the integrity of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, citing nearly 30 lakh beneficiaries as ineligible. An illuminating example involved a TMC leader named Rakibul Sheikh, who allegedly received Rs 1,500 monthly since the scheme’s inception. His case specifically drew media scrutiny, prompting inquiries into his eligibility and verification processes.

Response from TMC Leader Rakibul Sheikh

In the wake of the allegations, Rakibul Sheikh reportedly expressed that he was unaware of how these payments began. When approached by journalists, he attributed the situation to systemic issues within the TMC, asserting that the previous administration had been riddled with corruption. He claimed that fellow party members advised him to accept the funds as long as they were being disbursed.

Rakibul further alleged that widespread corruption existed within the party. He insisted that a thorough verification process would unveil multiple instances of misdeeds. Interestingly, both his and his wife’s names were removed from the electoral roll in 2026 after a recent verification exercise, raising questions regarding his citizenship status, which has been contested by the BJP.

The unfolding situation has instigated significant debate among local administrative bodies, with the panchayat chief distancing herself from accountability. Menuka Begum clarified that all applications and beneficiary listings were managed by the Block Development Office (BDO), thereby shifting responsibility away from the panchayat itself.

Wider Impact on Trinamool Congress

The ongoing scandal has prompted additional allegations against other TMC leaders. Another instance involved Uttam Kumar Sau, who is also accused of benefiting from the scheme, yet claimed ignorance of his inclusion in the beneficiaries list. He stated that the bank account linked to the scheme belonged to his wife and stated he was willing to accept actions deemed necessary by the authorities.

This recent spate of claims comes on the heels of intensified scrutiny, as multiple instances of alleged corruption surrounding TMC leaders have been reported almost daily. The party has seen a rapid series of arrests among MLAs and local councillors as its reputation continues to suffer.

Furthermore, the TMC’s internal structure is being tested, as some significant resignations have shaken the party’s foundation. Senior MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has publicly expressed her discontent, stepping down from her positions amidst speculation of joining the BJP. This development aligns with a trend of nearly 100 councillors resigning from their posts in municipalities across South Bengal, signalling a growing disintegration within the party’s ranks.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share