Modi Attacks TMC Administration in West Bengal, Mamata BJP Government at the Centre
Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Launching a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the recent Malda incident and the previous Sandeshkhali episodes were proof of “Maha Jungle Raj” in the state, while the chief minister Mamata Banerjee retaliating alleged that the BJP wanted to “end Bengal.”
Addressing a rally in Cooch Behar, Mr Modi highlighted the incident of the gherao of judicial officers in Malda district last week and the Sandeshkhali incident before the Lok Sabha elections in which the TMC activists allegedly exploited the local women, and said these were the reflections of TMC’s “Maha Jungle Raj” and that the countdown for the ouster of Ms Banerjee government had begun in the state. He said the situation was so bad in the state that the Supreme Court was forced to intervene.
Alleging that the TMS supported the infiltrators in the state, the prime minister accused the TMC of ‘looting’ West Bengal’s people, but asserted that they would have to pay for this once the results are declared on May 4, while predicting a victory for the BJP in the assembly elections.
Mr Modi said the Trinamool government did not consider any constitutional institution to be of any significance and the incident at Malda was a reflection of that. “The law-abiding citizens are shocked, how judicial officials were held hostage in Malda. What kind of a government it this that even judges are not safe. How can you expect safety of common people from such a government? The situation is so bad that the highest court of the country had to intervene,” Mr Modi said.
“On one side is the fear of losing freedom on one’s own land due to changing demographics,” PM Modi said. “On the other side is the BJP, which instils unwavering confidence in living with pride on one’s own soil, head held high. On one side is the fear of losing one’s property in a syndicate rule. On the other side is the trust in having a solid roof over one’s head and ownership rights to the land.”
Urging people not to get intimidated by TMC ‘goons’ on the polling day, the prime minister said they should trust law. Once the TMC rule ends on May 4, the law would take its course against the TMC ‘goons’ and its syndicates, he said.
Speaking about his government’s decision to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, PM Modi said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has provided the basic facilities to women and has made three crore women ‘Lakhpati Didis.’ He also reassured states that have done well in population control that their representation in Lok Sabha would not be affected.
“The government has scheduled a special session of Parliament on April 16, 17, and 18. This right of our mothers and sisters has been pending for 40 years. Any further delay is not right. From Cooch Behar, I once again assure all states of the country that those states that have done good work in population control will not face any loss in terms of seats. Everyone will benefit,” he said.
In his address, PM Modi alleged that the TMC is opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive to save the infiltrators. The upcoming elections, he said, would decide the future of West Bengal, urging people to vote for the BJP. He also expressed his confident in the Election Commission of India (ECI), adding that the 2026 elections would be ‘free and fair.’
Launching a strong attack on the BJP during a public rally in Murshidabad, accusing the party of trying to “end Bengal.” Targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, she alleged that officials were being threatened and voter lists were being manipulated. “If you have the courage, fight openly,” she said, adding that attempts to remove names from voter lists were meant to intimidate people.
Speaking of her government’s plans, Banerjee announced that a separate budget for farmers would be introduced if her party returned to power. She also claimed that around 500 officers had been removed to slow down development work in the state.
“You can stop work for a month, but after elections everything will resume,” she said, assuring people that development projects would continue. The Chief Minister also spoke about development work carried out in regions like Farakka, including roads and community halls for minority communities.
She stressed that her government worked for people of all religions and does not support divisive politics. Banerjee warned that the Bengali language and identity were at risk if her party was not re-elected.
“If TMC is not voted back to power, BJP will bury the Bengali language,” she said at another rally in Samsherganj.
