Campaigning for the West Bengal Assembly elections has reached a feverish pitch, with top political leaders from all major political parties addressing rallies across the districts. Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held three rallies today in Katwa, Jangipur, and Kushmandi. He sharpened the BJP’s pitch on identity and infiltration in the State, promising to implement the Uniform Civil Code to end what he called the politics of appeasement, while asserting that the party would not allow Bengalis to become a minority in the state.
The Prime Minister framed the upcoming assembly elections as a battle to protect West Bengal’s identity and future, while accusing the ruling TMC of thriving on appeasement politics and the support of infiltrators. Promising a transparent administration if the BJP comes to power, Mr Modi accused the Trinamool Congress of corruption and misrule.
The Prime Minister also participated in a roadshow from Bihar More to Station More in Siliguri after addressing a rally in Kushmandi, South Dinajpur. On his way to a tea resort near Sukna, the Prime Minister was greeted by his supporters along the route.
Addressing public meetings in Purulia and Bankura, senior BJP leader Amit Shah referred to the infiltration in Bengal and said that for the erection of barbed wire fencing on the borders, lands would be given within 45 days of coming to power. He said that state government employees would be given seventh pay commission benefits within 45 days of coming to power in the state.
He promised direct benefit transfers for farmers, the divyangs, the elderly and widows of the State. Mr. Shah also promised a potato seed production center in Bishnupur, GI tags for Baluchari sarees and Panchmura terracotta horses. He criticised the TMC government for siphoning off central funds and vowed genuine development for tribal communities.
Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee addressed public rallies in Bankura, West Midnapore and Jhargram. She called upon the people to place their trust in her and vote for TMC. Mamata Banerjee said employment of youths has been taken care of. She said entrepreneurship and employment were promoted through the Karmatirtha initiative.
