'Mamata Banerjee Only CM Fighting Cases Against Her Own Employees': Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Bengal DA Row
KOLKATA –Feb 11, 2026 04:30 PM IST
In a stinging rebuke of the West Bengal government, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has ignited a fresh political storm over the long-standing Dearness Allowance (DA) issue. Speaking at a press conference on February 11, 2026, Yadav labelled Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the "only CM in India" who actively uses the legal system to fight against her own employees' rightful financial dues.
The Minister's comments come just days after a landmark Supreme Court ruling that has placed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in a tight corner.
The 2026 Context: A Landmark Legal Defeat
The DA controversy, which has simmered for years, reached a boiling point this month. Here is the current situation:
Supreme Court Mandate (Feb 5, 2026): The Apex Court directed the West Bengal government to pay DA arrears for the period of 2008 to 2019.
The 25% Rule: The court ordered that at least 25% of the total outstanding amount must be released by March 6, 2026.
Model Employer Status: The court observed that DA is a "legally enforceable right" and rejected the state's plea of a "financial crunch."
"She Should Apologise": Bhupender Yadav’s Attack
Union Minister Yadav did not mince words while addressing the media alongside Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari. He highlighted the disparity between Bengal and the rest of India:
"Nearly 20 lakh state employees are still struggling for Sixth Pay Commission benefits, while the rest of the country is already moving toward the Eighth Pay Commission. Mamata Banerjee has failed to give respect to her own employees and should apologise."
Yadav further alleged that while the CM travelled to Delhi to oppose administrative processes such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), she remained indifferent to the financial plight of the 12 lakh current and retired employees affected by the DA gap.
Political Implications
Yadav’s comments reflect the growing friction between the BJP-led Centre and the TMC-led State. By framing the issue as a violation of workers' rights, the BJP is looking to tap into the disgruntled middle-class vote bank and the massive network of government employees in Bengal ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
The Employee Perspective
The 'Sangrami Joutho Mancha' (Joint Forum of State Government Employees) has vowed to continue their agitation. For them, this isn't just about money; it's about the dignity of labour and the recognition of their service to the state.
The Financial Tug-of-War
Despite the pressure, the West Bengal government announced a 4% DA hike in its February 2026 Budget, taking the state DA to 22%. However, this remains a far cry from the 58-60% currently received by Central Government employees.
| Feature | West Bengal State (2026) | Central Govt (2026) |
| Current DA Rate | 22% | ~58% - 60% |
| Pay Commission | 6th Pay Commission | 7th (Transitioning to 8th) |
| Legal Status | Arrears mandated by SC | Regularly updated |
This video provides a concise breakdown of the February 2026 Supreme Court directive that serves as the backdrop for Bhupender Yadav's recent criticisms.
RASHMI RANJAN
