Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sharply criticised the Mamta Banerjee-led TMC government, alleging that it had “turned making crude bombs into a cottage industry”.Addressing an election rally in West Bengal’s Birbhum, the Prime Minister said that TMC had normalised violence in the state and promised strict action if the BJP came to power. “Today, I make a promise to the people of Bengal. As soon as the BJP government is formed in Bengal, a special investigation will be set up against those who aid infiltration. This is my guarantee to you. No matter how powerful they may be, they will be identified and sent to jail,” he said.The Prime Minister also took a dig at TMC’s slogan, saying “TMC’s ‘Maa-Mati-Manush’ is nothing more than empty talk,” he said. “Maa is crying, maati has been overtaken by infiltrators and maanush is terrified,” the Prime Minister remarked.Referring to Rabindranath Tagore, he added, “Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore envisioned a society where everyone would be free from fear. However, the TMC’s ‘Maha Jungle Raj’ has done the exact opposite.”Referring to the 2022 Birbhum violence, also known as the Bogtui massacre, he said, “What happened in Bogtui was not just an incident; it was a blot on humanity. Innocent women and children were burned alive. If this is not a reign of jungle raj, then what is it?”PM also accused the TMC of disrespecting tribal communities. “What kind of mentality does TMC have that it can insult even the country’s first tribal woman President? How much arrogance is there?” he asked.Calling on young voters, Modi said, “The youth power of Bengal is determining the farewell of this ruthless government. On April 23 and April 29, they will give their answer.”The Prime Minister had earlier addressed a rally in Asansol. Polling for West Bengal’s 294 assembly constituencies will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
