Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal on Thursday for the first time after the commencement of Operation Sindoor and several incidents in the eastern state, he launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress government over the Murshidabad riots and teacher recruitment scam, first accused of violence and corruption and chaos, claimed that the people of the state are desperate to remove the “ruthless government”.
In response to PM Modi’s allegations, CM Mamta Banerjee claimed that the central government is playing “political Holi” in the name of Operation Sindoor, while the opposition leaders are trying to protect national interests globally, as they also mentioned the all -party delegation including TMC MPs. Banerjee further challenged him to participate in a debate with him on live television.
Prime Minister targeted the Bengal government led by Mamta Banerjee
Addressing a public rally in Alipurdar, North Bengal, Prime Minister Modi quoted recent incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda as serious memories of TMC rule towards common citizens.
The Prime Minister said, “Today, West Bengal is struggling with many crises. People do not want ‘ruthless government’. They want change and good governance. That is why the entire Bengal is saying that they no longer want cruelty and corruption.”
Criticizing the TMC government led by Mamta Banerjee for communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda, the Prime Minister said that the allegation is that under the guise of appeasement, those who broke the law were allowed to work unabated, while the police failed to take action and stood helpless.
He said, “Look at what happened in Murshidabad and Malda. It is a clear example of the government’s cruelty. In the name of appeasement, chaos was allowed to flourish. The goons were open.
In view of the assembly elections to be held in the state next year, PM Modi said that people are craving for change. “I want to ask the poor people of Bengal – should the government do the same thing? Here, the courts have to intervene in almost every case, because no matter is resolved without it. The TMC has lost trust in the government. There is a voice raising a voice in the whole of Bengal – ‘Shouts in Bengal, the Charkhi Bahi weapon in Bengal means to remove the cruel government.”
This is PM Modi’s first state visit since violent clashes in some parts of Murshidabad in April over the controversial Waqf Amendment Act. At least three people were killed and several others were injured in communal riots.
PM Modi made a list of 5 big crises in Bengal
PM Modi made a list of five major crises which are allegedly “victimized” to Bengal under TMC rule. The PM alleged, “The first crisis is broader violence and anarchy that is breaking the fabric of the society.
He said that the third crisis is “disappointment among the youth due to unemployment and lack of opportunities”, while the fourth crisis is “comprehensive corruption” which is destroying the system and eliminating public confidence.
Seeing the assembly elections to be held in the state next year, PM Modi said that people are craving for change. He said, “The fifth crisis stems from the selfish politics of the ruling party, which is depriving the poor of their rights. Murshidabad and Malda incidents are a clear example of the TMC government’s cruelty and its failure to maintain law and order.”
Criticizing the TMC for the recruitment scam worth crores of rupees, Modi said, “This is not only ruining the lives of a few thousand teachers, but the entire education system is deteriorating. TMC is still refusing to accept its mistakes. Instead, they are blaming courts and judicial systems instead.” The Supreme Court, in its April 3 judgment, canceled the appointments of more than 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff citing irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process.
The Prime Minister also expressed disappointment on the absence of the West Bengal government in a recent NITI Aayog meeting. PM Modi said, “It is unfortunate that the Bengal government decided not to participate in such an important meeting. It reflects his lack of seriousness towards development and shows that they are more interested in playing politics.”
He accused the state government of obstructing the implementation of Central Development Schemes and claimed that less than 400 km of 4,000 km of rural roads approved under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in West Bengal has been constructed so far.
Seeing the assembly elections to be held in the state next year, PM Modi said that people are craving for change. Making a strong access to the tribal population of Alipurduar region, Modi alleged that the TMC government has enmity towards tribal communities. He claimed in the statement, “His hatred towards tribal communities is also no less.
The tribal population in West Bengal is enough, yet their welfare is being ignored. For the upliftment of tribal families, the Central Government launched the PM Janman Yojana focusing on education, healthcare, housing and livelihood. But sadly, the TMC government has not implemented it. “
The Prime Minister also referred to the TMC’s opposition to the NDA to nominate tribal woman Draupadi Murmu as the President of India. Modi further alleged that the TMC government has not implemented the central scheme for traditional artisans and craftsmen, resulting in more than 8 lakh applications pending in the state.
He accused the state government of “being against poor, backward communities and women and not implementing central schemes”. “I am sad to say that when the whole country is benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the people of West Bengal are being denied free health check -up and quality healthcare.”
He also expressed concern about the plight of tea plantation workers in North Bengal and claimed that many gardens were closing due to “flawless state policies”.
CM Mamta Banerjee retaliated
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee retaliated at him for the allegations made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of trying to take political advantage from ‘Operation Sindoor’ – the Center’s military reaction after the Pahalgam attack on 22 April.
He alleged, “The Center (military attack) has been named ‘Operation Sindoor’ for political gains before the upcoming elections (in various states).” Banerjee said that the PM cited the deep cultural and emotional relationship with Sindoor, referring to the traditional ritual ‘Sindoor Khela’ celebrated by Bengali women during Durga Puja to strengthen India’s tough stance against terrorism.
He said that the central government was playing “political Holi”, while the opposition leaders were trying to protect national interests globally. Banerjee said, “I am disappointed that Modi has criticized Bengal at a time when all -party delegations are visiting various countries (to support the Center’s anti -terrorism stance, especially after the Pahalgam attack).”
“We are not only shocked by what PM Modi said today, but is also unfortunate to hear this … The whole opposition is representing the country on the world stage, he has taken a bold step to protect the national interests of the country. But is it time for PM Modi and his leaders to say that they will do ‘Operation Bengal’ like Operation Sindoor?”
Mamta Banerjee severely criticized PM Modi’s ‘Operation Bengal’ comment, he said, “Modi has insulted the women of Bengal. We respect all, but not at the cost of our self -respect. How did he dare to say ‘Operation Bengal’? If so, if it is, then declare elections tomorrow. We are ready!”
He said, “Operation vermilion was just a political move. All opposition parties are united and are reaching the world and political Holi is being played at that time.” Apart from this, Banerjee challenged him for a live TV debate and challenged the BJP to hold elections soon in the state. Mamta Banerjee said, “I challenge you, sit with me in a live TV debate. You can bring your teleprompter.”
PM Modi used the word ‘Nirvanpan’ which was an indirect attack in the name of Mamata Banerjee and a game of words, which means cruelty in Hindi. Soon after the PM’s speech, the Trinamool Congress also posted a caricature of PM Modi, which said, “PM Modi after Didi’s press conference”.