## Union Minister Anurag Thakur Accuses TMC of Sheltering Anti-National Forces
Union Minister Anurag Thakur launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, accusing the party of providing shelter to "anti-national forces" and "supporting" those committing atrocities against women.
Speaking to reporters during his election campaign in Siliguri, Thakur questioned why individuals involved in terror activities find refuge in West Bengal. He expressed concern over the state's alleged tolerance towards such elements.
Thakur's remarks triggered a sharp response from TMC spokesperson Shashi Panja, who dismissed the allegations as "illusions." She highlighted the recent arrest of two key accused in the Bengaluru cafe blast case by the NIA from West Bengal, crediting the state police for their prompt action.
Panja further accused Thakur of spreading hatred and questioned the central government's withholding of funds due to West Bengal, amounting to Rs 1.6 lakh crore.
Thakur's accusations and Panja's counter-attack have escalated the ongoing political war of words between the BJP and the TMC in the run-up to the upcoming elections in West Bengal. The allegations of sheltering anti-national forces and overlooking atrocities against women are likely to further fuel the political discourse in the state.