With just a week to go before the second phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped up his campaigning in the state with rallies and roadshows, lashing out at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Speaking at a rally in Bangaon, Modi said the “conceit” of the TMC was broken in the first phase of the elections, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is confident of its win in the second phase. He condemned the party for veering away from their original slogan, “Maa, Mati, Manush”, which does not reflect the then-current situation.
The Prime Minister claimed that under the TMC government, the administration has become weak with “small leaders and goons” acting like kings. He also claimed the government has created a regime of “cut-money and commission-taking syndicates”, urging political change by chanting “Paltano Darkar” (Change is necessary).
On economic issues, Modi pointed out that areas on the banks of the Hooghly River, where many mills and factories were located, have seen industrial nodes shut down. He said that over the last 15 years, some factories, including those established during the British colonial period, have closed, resulting in joblessness and migration.
Modi is promoting his campaign slogan, “Mayor, Mayor, Mayor,” with a public meeting in Arambagh after his rally in Bangaon and a roadshow in Kolkata at 5:30 pm. He will also pay a visit to the temples of the Matua community, which commemorate its founders, Guru Chand Thakur and Hari Chand Thakur.
BJP MP Ravi Kishan also took part in a roadshow in Howrah to support Umesh Rai. There were a few incidents of tension, but nothing major.
The electoral campaigns are underway in West Bengal ahead of the voting stage.