PRIME Minister Narendra Modi claimed on Tuesday that there is an atmosphere of fear in West Bengal where incidents of murder, rape, rioting and political violence have reached their peak. Modi also said the energy, enthusiasm and zeal towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) witnessed among the people of West Bengal are truly remarkable. Virtually interacting with the BJP workers of West Bengal under the “Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot” programme, the prime minister said the people of the state had voted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to power to free themselves from the atrocities of the previous Left Front government, but the Mamata Banerjee-led party has gone even beyond its predecessors. Modi said he can see fear across West Bengal, where youngsters are worried about jobs, potato farmers are afraid of the TMC’s syndicates and government employees have to approach the court to claim their rightful dues. “There is an atmosphere of fear in Bengal. Murders, rapes, riots, political violence have reached their peak. Everyone is very troubled,” the Prime Minister said. He termed the TMC regime a “cut-money” government, which is causing trouble to the common people. The TMC government has institutionalised corruption, he alleged. Modi claimed that there is a major concern among people in West Bengal due to infiltrators. “In many areas, they have become a threat to the demography,” he said.

 

In the last few days, Modi said, he has had the opportunity to travel to every part of West Bengal and meet people, and the energy, enthusiasm and zeal that he has witnessed among them towards the BJP are truly remarkable. “It is the result of the hard work of all you booth-level workers. At every programme, I can see your hard work and all sections of the society are actively participating in every programme. This in itself is a very heartening experience,” he said. The Prime Minister said the BJP workers’ unwavering commitment is deepening the party’s reach at the grassroots. “With the mantra of Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot, you are effectively reaching the people at your booth, conveying the fear of the TMC’s ruthless Government very well,” he said. Modi said the BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming West Bengal polls is also receiving a lot of appreciation from the people of the state. “Reach out to women extensively and address their small but important concerns. Speak clearly on key issues like (the) R G Kar (rape) and Sandeshkhali so people remember that TMC leaders speak humbly while seeking votes but resort to oppression once in power,” he said. Referring to tea garden workers, Modi said right next door in Assam, tea plantation workers are receiving a lot of help, have received land titles and their own homes are also being built. “Whereas the TMC government in Bengal does not care about this at all,” he said. West Bengal goes to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29.