Kamal Ghorui
KOLKATA: PM Narendra Modi sharpened BJP’s Bengal campaign on Saturday, dismissing Trinamool Congress’ “khela hobe” slogan and framing the assembly polls as a battle to protect Bengal’s identity, while promising to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to end what he called “politics of appeasement”. “Bahut khel khel liya hai tumne,” Modi said, adding those who had “played far too long” would now face accountability. “Sabka hisab liya jayega (everyone will be held accountable).” At Katwa, impressed by the crowd size, he said it was a sign of a “big khela” coming to Bengal. Addressing back-to-back rallies across Burdwan, Murshidabad and South Dinajpur, Modi accused TMC of relying on “infiltrators” to build a vote bank and intimidate majority groups. “Let UCC be implemented here; appeasement will stop once and for all. Bengal will make real change this time,” he said, echoing a manifesto promise unveiled by Union minister Amit Shah to enact the law within six months of taking office. Modi described governance in Bengal as dominated by a “syndicate raj”. “Here syndicate is govt and govt is syndicate,” he said, linking corruption to an exodus of companies, loss of jobs and migration of youth. At Jangipur in Muslim-majority Murshidabad, Modi focused on identity and demographic change. “TMC wants to use infiltrators’ votes to form a govt of infiltrators. We will not let Bengalis become a minority in Bengal,” he said, also citing repeated attacks on Ram Navami processions and alleging perpetrators roam free. Responding to criticism from CM Mamata Banerjee that BJP will not deliver on its promises, Modi defended his party’s record. “BJP keeps its promises,” he said, citing support prices for jute and assuring that welfare schemes would continue. “BJP will not stop anything other than Trinamool’s loot.” He pledged that the first cabinet meeting of a BJP govt would clear the rollout of Ayushman Bharat in Bengal. Seeking to reassure Matua and Namashudra communities affected by SIR, Modi said they were protected by the Constitution and promised to speed up citizenship processes after taking office. He also praised EC for violence-free polling in Assam and Kerala, citing Thursday’s high turnout. Modi warned voters against “AI-generated disinformation”, alleging Trinamool could deploy fabricated videos as polling nears. “There is a conspiracy, and you need to be careful. Trinamool is panicking and will use conspiracies as the election draws closer. We have seen this in Assam and Puducherry – rumours based on AI-generated videos will be spread. Do not fall into that trap,” he said.
