Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that despite the end of the Left Front era, a “great jungle raj” continues to prevail in West Bengal.
Addressing a public meeting virtually, Modi claimed that people across the state, including children in narrow lanes and alleys, believe that the BJP is necessary for their survival.
The Prime Minister said there is no shortage of funds or goodwill from the central government for the overall development of West Bengal, but directly blamed the state government for the lack of progress. He alleged that thousands of crores of rupees worth of development projects have not been implemented due to a culture of cutbacks and commissions under the present administration, depriving ordinary people of the benefits of development.
Modi reiterated that West Bengal’s true development is possible only through a “double-engine” government, where the same party is in power at both the Centre and the state. He asserted that such a model alone can ensure rapid and inclusive progress.
Earlier in the day, due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions, the Prime Minister’s helicopter could not land in Taherpur, Nadia, and was diverted back to Kolkata for security reasons. Subsequently, Modi addressed the scheduled public meeting virtually from Kolkata.
Also Read: PM to address first rally in Bengal since draft SIR roll release
Beginning his address, the Prime Minister apologised to BJP workers and supporters for not being able to reach the venue. “Jai Nitai. Elders, please accept my greetings. Greetings to all. I could not reach due to bad weather. I apologise for this,” he said.
During his speech, Modi referred to Bengal’s cultural and historical legacy, recalling Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and the slogan “Vande Mataram”. He said that when India was under foreign rule, Bankim Chandra gave the nation the mantra of freedom, and today “Vande Mataram” has become the mantra of a developed India.
In his virtual address, Modi intensified his criticism of the TMC, particularly on issues of development and governance. He urged voters to give the BJP a chance to form a double-engine government in the state. Alleging that the TMC supports infiltrators, he claimed that the party is opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal to protect illegal immigrants.
Referring to the BJP’s recent electoral performance in Bihar, the Prime Minister said the party’s massive victory there has paved the way for success in West Bengal as well. He claimed that the era of lawlessness would also come to an end in the state, adding that a growing sentiment is being heard across Bengal: “We want to live, therefore we want the BJP.”
Concluding his address, Modi accused the current state government of being deeply entrenched in corruption and commission-based politics. He assured that if given a chance, the BJP would form a double-engine government and work with full strength to fulfil the aspirations and dreams of the people of West Bengal.
Follow us
