In a fiery interview from Chandigarh, Haryana Cabinet Minister Gaurav Gautam forecasted a seismic shift in West Bengal’s politics. The BJP, he claimed, is poised to oust Mamata Banerjee’s TMC in the next polls, ending her decade-long dominance.
‘Mamata Banerjee has lost her cool. She’s sensing defeat this time around,’ Gautam told IANS. He criticized her administration’s alleged dependence on violent tactics, predicting a strong public backlash. ‘A state can’t be run on violence. The people of Bengal will respond decisively, paving the way for a BJP government led by PM Modi,’ he said.
Gautam, who holds the sports portfolio in Haryana, also previewed his state’s budget set for March 2. Drawing parallels with the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he praised the 33% hike in sports funding. Sectors like startups, artificial intelligence, and MSMEs received substantial boosts, setting a high bar.
‘Our Haryana budget will be historic for youth and sports. We’ve pushed for upgraded stadiums, prompt cash incentives, and timely gear for athletes,’ the minister outlined, emphasizing a forward-looking approach.
He didn’t spare the opposition, labeling their tactics as mere publicity gimmicks. ‘To remain in the news, the opposition creates chaos instead of addressing real Haryana issues. This is their routine,’ Gautam quipped.
Addressing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call for larger families, Gautam endorsed it wholeheartedly. ‘His statement is spot on and beneficial,’ he said.
Gautam’s remarks reflect BJP’s strategic confidence in Bengal, where anti-incumbency and governance critiques are gaining traction. With budgets signaling economic priorities, the narrative of development versus disorder is sharpening electoral battlelines.