Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana 'successful', no house: TMC leader gheraoed in Bengal

A controversy over the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana erupted in West Bengal’s Durgapur after local women confronted a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, alleging that their names were shown as “successful” beneficiaries in online records even though they had not received houses or other benefits under the scheme. During the protest, eggs were allegedly thrown at the leader’s head.

The incident took place in the Anandapur area under the Kok Oven police station, triggering tension in the locality.

Residents alleged that TMC leader Biswajit, also known as Bishu Majhi, had assured several poor families that they would receive pucca houses under the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana. They claimed that necessary documents were collected from them in connection with the scheme, but the promised houses were not provided despite a prolonged wait.

The matter came to the fore after some residents recently checked the scheme’s online records. They claimed that the status against their names was shown as “successful”, despite having neither received a pucca house nor benefited from the housing scheme.

Angered by the alleged discrepancy, a group of women surrounded Majhi and demanded an explanation. During the confrontation, some protesters allegedly threw eggs at his head several times. It was also alleged that the protesters made him walk around the locality.

The incident subsequently created tension in the area, with residents demanding an investigation into how their names came to be marked as “successful” beneficiaries under the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana.

Residents have also sought clarity on whether funds or housing assistance were released in the names of the alleged beneficiaries and, if so, who received the benefits.

An official response from the local administration and the TMC leader on the allegations is awaited.