The remark was allegedly made by Kalipad Sengupta, a BJP state committee member, at a rally held at Kalaikundu ground in Daspur during a recent public meeting. Asked about the remark, the state BJP leaders declined to comment and said they were unaware whether such a statement had been made from the stage. Clarifying the BJP's position on the scheme, Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said, "If the BJP comes to power, Lakshmir Bhandar will continue. "They are scared of women voters and are now issuing instructions to husbands to confine their wives at home. Women get Lakshmir Bhandar and vote for the TMC, while their sons and husbands are forced to migrate to other states for work," he said.

Source: The Telegraph January 04, 2026 13:44 UTC