During the launch of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral campaign in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) while introducing the slogan “Bijoy Sankalpa Sabha.” He condemned the recent gherao of judicial officials in Malda, labeling it as an instance of “maha jungle raj.”
Modi further alleged that the TMC is resisting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to safeguard infiltrators. Speaking at his first rally in the state since the announcement of Assembly polls, he stated that the countdown for the TMC government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has begun.
Referencing the Malda incident, he remarked, “Recently, the entire nation witnessed the shocking situation where judicial officers were held hostage in Malda. Consider the implications of a government where judges and constitutional duties are not protected. How can the citizens of Bengal trust these individuals with their safety and security? What transpired in Malda was not merely instigated by the TMC but is indicative of the broader chaos under this administration.”
Modi indicated that the circumstances had become so dire that intervention from the Supreme Court was necessary. He accused the TMC of obstructing the SIR initiative to conceal infiltrators, stating, “In the past 15 years of TMC governance in the border regions of West Bengal, there has been a disturbing demographic shift. The TMC has provided direct protection to infiltrators, making the people of Bengal feel unsafe.”
He continued, “The Central Government is actively working to identify and eliminate these infiltrators. Not just India, but many other nations are also striving to detect and remove illegal infiltrators. However, the TMC government in Bengal seems focused on shielding them, which is why they oppose the SIR, to prevent the identification of these individuals.”
In his address, Modi also accused the TMC of threatening to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), claiming they are infringing on the rights of Hindu refugees who have obtained citizenship while favoring infiltrators as part of their voter base. “Those attempting to alter the identity of Bengal will ultimately be removed,” he asserted.
Predicting a BJP victory, Modi criticized the TMC for exploiting the populace and asserted that they would have to face consequences for their actions. “In Bengal, people experience fear due to TMC’s corruption and cut money, concerns about infiltration, demographic changes, and a loss of freedom in their own land. Conversely, under the BJP, individuals will live with dignity and pride,” he promised.
The Prime Minister urged voters to trust the legal system and participate in the upcoming elections scheduled for April 23 and 29, with counting set for May 4. “On election day, TMC operatives may try to intimidate you, but you must have faith in the law. This election will see the end of fear in Bengal,” he stated.
He predicted that the ruling party would face defeat on May 4, after which “the law will take its course against TMC’s goons and their networks.”
Modi also highlighted the Central Government’s initiative to allocate 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, noting the BJP-led NDA’s contributions to improving basic facilities for women and creating three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis.’ He assured that states performing well in population control would not see their representation in the Lok Sabha diminished due to delimitation. “A special session of Parliament is scheduled for April 16, 17, and 18. The rights of our mothers and sisters have been pending for 40 years, and any further delay is unacceptable. From Cooch Behar, I reiterate that states excelling in population control will not lose any seats. Everyone will benefit,” he pledged.
