‘Return Our Cut Money’: Bengal Villagers Use Loudspeakers To Remind TMC Leader Of Election Promise

Last Updated:May 30, 2026, 22:18 IST

Villagers in Dhalpal, Cooch Behar use loudspeakers to demand TMC leader Sajal Hossain return alleged cut money he promised after Trinamool Congress lost power.

Residents of a village in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district have found an unusual way to remind a Trinamool Congress leader of an election promise. Villagers in Dhalpal gram panchayat have been using loudspeakers to repeatedly announce that local TMC leader and panchayat functionary Sajal Hossain should return the alleged “cut money" he had promised to refund if the party lost power.

According to locals, Hossain had publicly assured residents during the Assembly election campaign that if the Trinamool Congress was voted out of power, he would return money allegedly collected from beneficiaries of government schemes. Following the party’s defeat in the state election, villagers began demanding that he honour the promise.

The protest has since taken a creative turn, with announcements being made over loudspeakers across the village, reminding Hossain of his commitment and urging him to return the money. Videos of the announcements have circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the issue.

Villagers claim that beneficiaries of various government schemes were allegedly forced to pay commissions or “cut money" in the past and now expect those amounts to be refunded. Some residents said they would continue the loudspeaker campaign until the promised money is returned.

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of local Trinamool leaders in several parts of West Bengal over allegations of corruption, extortion and collection of illegal commissions. The phrase “cut money" has remained a politically sensitive issue in the state since it first emerged as a major controversy during the previous TMC government.

Reacting to the allegations, Sajal Hossain reportedly denied any wrongdoing and questioned the claims being made against him. However, villagers insist that the promise was made publicly and should now be fulfilled.

The episode has become a talking point in the district, with opposition parties citing it as an example of growing public anger against local political leaders, while residents say their campaign is simply an effort to hold elected representatives accountable for their words and actions.

News india ‘Return Our Cut Money’: Bengal Villagers Use Loudspeakers To Remind TMC Leader Of Election Promise

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