Kamal Ghorui
PM Modi’s guarantees for West Bengal – 7th Pay Commission, corrupt TMC members to be jailed
NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled a set of “six guarantees” for West Bengal, asserting that a BJP government would take firm action against illegal infiltration, implement the 7th Pay Commission, and ensure that no “TMC goon” or “gunda” is spared from the law.Addressing a public rally in Haldia, PM Modi expressed confidence in a political shift in the state, saying, “Bengal has decided to overcome every adverse situation this time. Change is going to happen across the whole of Bengal.”
He added that “the exit of this ruthless government is certain,” launching a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress.“The TMC is dragging Bengal down,” he alleged, claiming that corruption and criminal protection have become entrenched in the system. He further alleged that illegal activities such as cattle smuggling have flourished under the current dispensation.
The six guarantees
Outlining his guarantees, PM Modi said the BJP would ensure strict implementation of law and accountability if voted to power:
- A BJP government will replace the prevailing atmosphere of fear with trust and restore faith in the rule of law.
- The administrative machinery will be fully accountable — fully answerable — to the public it serves.
- All files regarding every scam, every act of corruption, every injustice committed against daughters, and every case of rape will be reopened.
- Whoever has engaged in corruption under the TMC regime belongs in jail. “Be it a minister or a watchman, the law will hold everyone to account. No TMC goon will be able to evade the law any longer.”
- Refugees will be granted every right and privilege guaranteed by the Constitution, while infiltrators will be driven out and not permitted to remain in India.
- The 7th Pay Commission will be implemented immediately upon the formation of a BJP government.
‘Double-engine government’ for Bengal
PM Modi emphasised that West Bengal’s best interest lies in the Prime Minister and Chief Minister working together, making a “double-engine government” essential for the state.“Bengal’s best interest does not lie in animosity towards the Prime Minister; rather, the people stand to gain the most if both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister work together. That is precisely why a double-engine government is absolutely essential for Bengal. A double-engine government will make Bengal self-reliant in the sectors of fisheries and seafood,” he said.
Boost for fisheries sector
The Prime Minister highlighted the Central government’s steps towards boosting the fisheries sector nationwide, including the creation of a separate Ministry of Fisheries — a first since independence.“After decades of independence, our government, for the very first time, created a distinct Ministry of Fisheries to address the needs of fishermen, their families, and the Blue Economy as a whole,” PM Modi said.He added that the BJP has allocated a record budget for fishermen’s welfare, provided access to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility, and offered insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for fishermen, benefits already availed by lakhs.He added that central schemes face resistance in the state due to political considerations. “This increase in fish production has been significantly supported by the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. However, they have a problem with it because it carries the ‘PM’ tag,” he said.“TMC leaders may hate me, but in that hatred, they haven’t even spared the word ‘PM’,” PM Modi added.Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The rally is seen as important for the BJP’s efforts to maintain its political influence in the region, which has emerged as a central battleground in its contest with the TMC.
