‘Bengal Run By Bomb Culture, Not Law And Order’: Nirmala Sitharaman Hits Out At TMC In Lok Sabha

Last Updated:February 11, 2026, 19:09 IST

Nirmala Sitharaman also questioned the state government over fuel prices.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the West Bengal government in the Lok Sabha, rebutting TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s remarks on GST and accusing the state of poor law and order, high fuel prices and insensitivity in handling crimes against women.

Responding during her reply to the debate on the Union Budget 2026-27, Sitharaman took exception to Banerjee’s claim that there was GST even after death to light an incense stick. “In Bengal GST after death is a very sad thing to say," she said, adding that “maybe cut money after death is a norm in the state."

She also questioned the state government over fuel prices. “If you want to reduce burden on common man in the state, why is petrol ₹10 more expensive," she asked, targeting the Mamata Banerjee-led administration.

The Finance Minister further criticised the West Bengal government over the RG Kar rape case and other incidents of sexual violence. “It is ridiculous that a woman chief minister advised women not to come out at night else they would stand a risk to be raped," Sitharaman said, in a direct swipe at the state leadership.

Alleging a breakdown of governance, she said, “Bengal is run by the bomb culture, not by law and order."

Her remarks came as she outlined key features of the Union Budget 2026-27, highlighting that effective capital expenditure for FY27, including support to states and union territories, stands at Rs 17.1 lakh crore, or 4.4% of GDP, aimed at advancing the goal of Viksit Bharat. Sitharaman also detailed the Centre’s push on AI education, entrepreneurship, infrastructure expansion and industrial growth, stating that the government is willing to work with states on mega textile parks, skilling initiatives and logistics improvements.

The Lok Sabha took up discussion on the Budget earlier this week, and Sitharaman is expected to reply to the debate in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

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