Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, urging voters to remove what he called the “nirmam” (cruel) Trinamool Congress government from power.Addressing a rally in Haldia, stronghold of Leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari, PM Modi accused the ruling dispensation of holding the state back even as the rest of the country moves forward.“What the TMC government has done with the youth of Bengal, they won’t be able to wash away their sins even in the next 100 years… TMC has done double betrayal to the youth of Bengal. There are no jobs in the private sector here, and even if they are, it has been given to the infiltrators. The government vacancies are being looted by TMC ministers,” he said.The Prime Minister alleged that both employment opportunities and government posts have been compromised under the current regime, and promised action if the BJP comes to power.He said the BJP would reopen cases related to corruption and crimes against women that were allegedly suppressed, and ensure strict action against those involved. “Government facilities will be made available to all genuine citizens, and infiltrators will not be allowed to stay in this country,” he added.PM Modi also promised that a BJP government in the state would implement the 7th Pay Commission for state employees, teachers, and allied sectors.Targeting the TMC on development, he said that while India is progressing, Bengal is being dragged back by the current government. He stressed that removing the TMC was essential to build a “Viksit Bengal”.He further accused the ruling party of damaging both the private sector and public recruitment processes, claiming that jobs were either not being created or were allegedly sold for money.“Investment does not come in an atmosphere of fear, but in a climate of trust that the BJP will bring in Bengal,” he said.The Prime Minister also criticised what he described as “religion-based reservation”, alleging it was aimed at consolidating vote banks.Pointing to the turnout at the rally despite bad weather, PM Modi said it reflected a desire for change in the state. Referring to Nandigram, where Adhikari defeated Banerjee in the 2021 assembly elections, he expressed confidence that a similar outcome would be seen in Bhabanipur this time, where the two leaders are set to face off again.Making a case for a “double-engine” government, PM Modi said West Bengal would benefit more when the Centre and state work in coordination.He also highlighted the Centre’s focus on the fisheries sector, promising to make the state self-reliant in seafood production while pointing to the creation of a dedicated ministry and increased budgetary support for fisherfolk.
