Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday alleged that central agencies are threatening TMC leaders and elected representatives with prison term in chit fund scam cases, if they don't join the BJP.

Addressing the Martyrs' Day rally here, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief accused the saffron party of luring TMC MLAs with money and other perks.

The chief minister, speaking at her first major political rally after the Lok Sabha polls, also said the party will launch a statewide protest on July 26, demanding return of black money "siphoned off" by the BJP. 

"Central agencies are threatening our leaders and elected representatives over chit fund scams, asking them to get in touch with the BJP leaders or face prison," Banerjee said.

"The BJP is offering Rs 2 crore and a petrol pump to our MLAs to switch over... Just like in Karnataka, the BJP is indulging in horse trading everywhere. It is trying to replicate this model here, too," she alleged.

Hitting out at the central government for allegedly trying to destroy the federal structure of the country, she claimed the BJP is functioning in a whimsical manner and its government would not last for "more than two years".

"They (the BJP) are bringing bills and passing it without any prior information or consultation... Credit for the smooth conduct of Parliament goes to opposition parties, not those in power," the TMC chief added.

The Martyrs' Day rally is organised by the party every year on July 21 in the memory of 13 Youth Congress activists killed in police firing in 1993 during the Left Front regime in West Bengal. Banerjee was a leader of the Youth Congress at that time.

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After rapper and singer Santy Sharma's reaction to Khushi Mukherjee's provocative photo/video posts on social media, people on different platforms are now having a heated debate. The comments made by Santy were soon spread across social media and opened the door for conversations surrounding the type of content that is being posted by public figures on social media.

In his view, digital platforms provide a way to express themselves through creativity and art; however, he feels it is important for celebrities/influencers with a large number of followers to be mindful of how their content may be perceived by others. According to him, people who possess a large following online have a level of responsibility regarding the actions they display via their social media and should be cognizant of what type of example they are setting for the youth.

Lastly, creating art should inspire creativity as well as allow users to use their voices to support necessary change in society; therefore, creativity and expression through digital platforms should produce positive social change while still being aware of culture and society's expectations.

At the time of writing, Santy Sharma was discussing how online behaviour has contributed to increased rates of rapes, which stimulated much debate and debate online. Supporters have advocated for improved online etiquette, while others feel he was insensitive in his comments and contradicts the need for sensitivity on these sensitive issues. The controversy has gone beyond social media and increased debate regarding gender-based issues, the ethics of media influence, and the necessity to address serious crimes with appropriate awareness and sensitivity.

Meanwhile, Santy Sharma has also announced his upcoming single titled “I Don’t Care,” which is scheduled to release on 10 March 2026. The track will be available on his official YouTube channel and other major music streaming platforms, creating anticipation among fans who are eager to hear his latest musical release.