Kolkata: Trinamool on Wednesday launched an attack on BJP, accusing the party of hypocrisy and “patronising criminals” while lecturing Bengal on corruption.Senior state minister Shashi Panja highlighted the recent induction of Joydeb Khan into BJP as a permanent invitee member for the Asansol Dakshin organisational district. She produced an appointment letter dated March 9, 2026, noting that the move allegedly received clearance from BJP’s national leadership.Panja said, “Union home minister Amit Shah recently visited Mathurapur to deliver sanctimonious sermons about the coal mafia and corruption in Bengal. Yet, his party is giving space to the very people he decries.” She displayed photographs of Khan with former Union coal minister Pralhad Joshi, alleging that Khan was even present at Andal Airport to see off the home minister.Panja argued that half of BJP MPs face criminal charges, including allegations of crimes against women. “BJP is not just a political party; it is a ‘washing machine’ that provides shelter from ED and CBI to those who join its ranks,” she added. “After joining BJP, multiple coal-related cases were filed against me and my family. My office was vandalised and I was harassed,” Joydeb told reporters earlier.
