Kolkata, Apr 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the ruling TMC, alleging that the Mamata Banerjee-led party has looted West Bengal for the past 15 years, destroyed the state’s identity and allowed infiltration that was forcing many Bengalis to leave their homes in search of opportunities.
Addressing an election rally in Baruipur area in Jadavpur, Modi claimed that the first phase of voting a day ago signalled that the TMC might “not even be able to open its account”.
“Since the country gained independence, India has never witnessed anything like what the people of Bengal have demonstrated this time. Everywhere, the talk is about the massive support the BJP has received in Bengal,” he said.
Around 92 per cent of the 3.60 crore electors turned up to vote in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls on Thursday.
“The first phase of voting has shown that the TMC may not even be able to open its account. Now, you must ensure a decisive defeat for the TMC and a clear victory for the BJP,” the Prime Minister told the gathering.
From “small shopkeepers to big traders”, and from “taxi drivers to rickshaw pullers”, people were fearlessly standing with the saffron party, he claimed.
Appealing to first-time voters and young electors, Modi said they had already set the tone of the elections and urged people to ensure even higher turnout in the second and final phase.
“First-time voters have set the tone. Now it is your turn to surpass their record with even higher turnout,” he said.
He also accused the ruling party of weakening Bengal’s social and economic fabric by allowing infiltration.
“The TMC has destroyed Bengal’s identity. Infiltrators are being settled here. They are encroaching on land and taking away people’s livelihoods,” Modi alleged.
“On one side, there is TMC’s corruption; on the other, the pressure of infiltration. As a result, many Bengalis are being forced to leave their homes in search of opportunities,” he said, adding that the problem could only be solved if the BJP comes to power with a strong majority.
The Prime Minister also referred to unrest at Jadavpur University, saying the premier institution, once respected for its academic legacy, became a symbol of disorder under the present dispensation.
“Jadavpur University was once spoken of with great respect. Its foundation was built on strong academic values. But today, people are being threatened, and students are being forced to protest. We do not want anarchy; we want a healthy academic environment. We want dialogue here, not threats,” Modi said. PTI PNT BDC
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