With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections drawing near, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has presented a comprehensive report, titled "Unnoyoner Panchali," showcasing her government's achievements over the past 14 years. Released during a state administrative meeting in Kolkata, the report outlines progress across employment, infrastructure, welfare, and social sectors.
Banerjee asserted that her administration has generated over two crore employment opportunities during the last 14 years. She also claimed a substantial decline in poverty levels, with 1.72 crore people rising above the poverty line by 2023. Youth unemployment in the state has reportedly fallen by 40%, and six economic corridors have been developed with an investment potential exceeding ₹2 lakh crore.
Highlighting the state's focus on social welfare, Banerjee stated that over 2.2 crore women currently receive Lakshmir Bhandar aid. The state government has spent over ₹1 lakh crore on the Khadya Sathi food security scheme, covering over 9 crore people, and ₹1,717 crore under Duare Ration (doorstep delivery of subsidized food) to 7 crore people. Furthermore, 99 lakh households now have piped drinking water. In the housing sector, the state reports constructing 67.69 lakh homes, with a long-term target of one crore.
Banerjee also emphasized the improvements in the state's healthcare sector, claiming a sixfold rise in health expenditure. According to the report, 2.45 crore families are now insured under Swasthya Sathi.
In addition to highlighting her government's accomplishments, Banerjee has launched criticism against the central government, accusing it of withholding funds for infrastructure projects and other key schemes. She alleged that the state is owed ₹1.87 lakh crore. Banerjee claimed that West Bengal topped the country in MGNREGA job allocation and constructions in rural housing and village roads four times in a row, before the Centre allegedly withheld money. Despite these challenges, Banerjee stated that the state has independently built 60,000 km of roads under Pathashree and advanced major projects such as the Gangasagar bridge and Ghatal Master Plan.
Banerjee has also accused the central government and BJP-ruled states of targeting Bengali speakers by falsely labeling them as Bangladeshis, despite valid documents. She criticized the Centre for halting funds to Bengal under key central schemes, including MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojana, alleging political motivation. Banerjee stated that despite submitting all required documentation and clarifications, funds remain blocked.
The Chief Minister's accusations come amidst ongoing tensions between the state and central governments. The Calcutta High Court has directed the Union government to implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme in West Bengal prospectively from August 1, while also allowing central agencies to continue their inquiries into alleged irregularities.
