Kolkata : Shah Accuses Bengal Government of Negligence After Deadly Factory Fire
Kolkata : A tragic fire at a factory-cum-warehouse on the southern outskirts of Kolkata has taken a sharp political turn, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleging that the incident was the result of systemic corruption rather than an accident. The blaze, which broke out earlier this week at the Anandapur facility operated by Wow Momo, claimed at least 25 lives, while dozens of workers remain unaccounted for, according to official statements.
Allegations Raised at Public Rally
Addressing a large gathering of party workers and supporters in Barrackpore, Shah directly accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of administrative failure and misconduct. He asserted that the fire could not be dismissed as an unforeseen mishap and suggested that political patronage played a role in shielding those responsible.
Shah questioned why the owner of the factory had not been taken into custody despite the scale of the tragedy. He implied that close ties between the business owner and individuals in power had influenced the response of authorities. Raising concerns over alleged financial backing and overseas travel involving the owner, Shah said these links deserved thorough scrutiny.
Call for Accountability and Investigation
The Union Home Minister stated that the loss of life demanded answers and accountability. He argued that the state government’s reaction would have been different had the victims belonged to other social categories, accusing the ruling party of politicising the tragedy. Shah said that such an approach reflected a lack of sensitivity towards the victims and their families.
He further pledged that if the Bharatiya Janata Party were to form the government in West Bengal after the next Assembly elections, a comprehensive investigation would be initiated. According to him, all individuals found responsible for lapses leading to the fire would face legal consequences.
BJP’s Electoral Ambitions in Bengal
During his address, Shah also highlighted the BJP’s electoral performance in recent years as an indication of the party’s growing influence in the state. He recalled that in the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the principal opposition by winning 77 seats, a first in West Bengal’s political history.
Referring to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Shah noted that the party secured nearly 39 per cent of the total votes cast in the state. He said the BJP’s immediate goal was to raise that figure to 45 per cent in the upcoming electoral contest, expressing confidence that the trend pointed towards a change in government in 2026.
Criticism of Chief Minister’s Leadership
Shah also launched a personal attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of being distracted by what he described as ambitions to install her nephew as the next leader of the state. He used the phrase “optical delusion” to characterise her political outlook, suggesting that such expectations were detached from political realities and would eventually collapse on their own.
Assurance to Matua Community Voters
Turning to concerns raised by the Matua community, Shah sought to reassure voters about their electoral rights. He dismissed claims that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls would lead to the removal of Matua voters’ names, calling such assertions misleading.
According to Shah, the revision process would continue as mandated, and voting would take place using a transparent and accurate voters’ list. He emphasised that no eligible voter from the community would be disenfranchised as a result of the exercise.
Ongoing Political Fallout
The statements have intensified the political debate surrounding the Anandapur fire, with the tragedy now at the centre of broader allegations about governance, accountability, and electoral politics in West Bengal. As investigations continue and families await clarity on missing workers, the incident is likely to remain a focal point in the state’s charged political environment.