Semiconductor Plant Sparks BJP-Mamata Credit Clash

A political tussle has erupted between the BJP and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over credit for the establishment of India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant in Kolkata. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden announced the project as part of India-U.S. cooperation, Banerjee emphasized her government’s role in securing the investment through ongoing efforts to promote technology in the state. BJP leaders, particularly Amit Malviya, have criticized Banerjee’s handling of previous industrial ventures and warned of potential mismanagement.

Banerjee, in her statements, emphasized her government’s role in facilitating the project, pointing to long-standing efforts by the state to promote technology investment and infrastructure. She credited her administration for attracting global semiconductor giants to West Bengal, including through the state’s initiatives in IT parks and technology symposiums​ Banerjee framed the investment as a direct result of her government’s consistent push to attract cutting-edge industries to the state​.

However, the BJP has challenged Banerjee’s claims. Party leaders, including Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, and state BJP General Secretary Agnimitra Paul, have criticized Banerjee for allegedly downplaying the efforts of Prime Minister Modi in securing this high-profile investment. They argue that the project would not have materialized without Modi’s leadership and diplomatic efforts with the U.S. government​. Malviya warned that Banerjee’s track record with industrial ventures could jeopardize the successful execution of the project​.

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This back-and-forth reflects a larger pattern of political credit wars between the BJP and Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC), especially with elections on the horizon. As the semiconductor project progresses, both parties are keen to highlight their contributions, with the semiconductor plant now serving as a key talking point in the political landscap