Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday criticised the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of poor governance and urging voters to remove it from power in the forthcoming Assembly elections, reported the PTI.
Addressing a public meeting in Haldia—considered a stronghold of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari— PM Modi claimed that while the country is progressing, the current state administration is holding Bengal back.
He asserted that a “Viksit Bengal” (developed Bengal) would only be possible if the ruling party is voted out.
“The country is walking on the path of progress, while TMC`s `nirmam sarkar` is pulling Bengal back. To usher in `Viksit Bengal`, it`s essential that the party is removed from power,” he claimed.
Allegations on youth and employment
PM Modi alleged that the TMC government had failed the youth of Bengal by damaging the private sector and engaging in corruption in government job recruitment, according to the PTI.
He stated that investment thrives in an atmosphere of trust rather than fear, and claimed that such a climate would be established under the BJP.
The Prime Minister also accused the ruling party of pursuing religion-based reservation policies aimed at consolidating its vote bank, criticising the approach as divisive.
Referring to the large turnout at the rally despite adverse weather, PM Modi said it reflected a growing desire for political change in the state and indicated a potential shift away from the TMC, as per the PTI.
Nandigram-Bhabanipur comparison
According to the PTI, PM Modi drew parallels with the 2021 election in Nandigram, where Suvendu Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He suggested that a similar outcome could be seen in Bhabanipur in the upcoming polls.
Advocating for a “double-engine” government, PM Modi said that West Bengal would benefit more if both the Centre and the state were governed by the same party, working in coordination.
Promises for fisheries and development
Highlighting development plans, PM Modi promised to make West Bengal self-reliant in fisheries and the seafood sector. He also noted that the central government has created a dedicated ministry for fisherfolk welfare and allocated a record budget for the sector, the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)