Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack against the TMC government in West Bengal during a rally on Thursday — accusing it of fostering violence, corruption and lawlessness. He also cited recent incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda as well as the multi-crore teacher recruitment scam to accuse the state administration of “cruelty and indifference” towards citizens. The remarks have since prompted a sharp rebuttal from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who also dared the Modi govt to hold elections in Bengal tomorrow.
“I want to ask the poor people of Bengal – is this how a government is supposed to function? Here, the courts have to step in on almost every matter, because nothing gets resolved otherwise. The people have lost faith in the TMC government. Bengal mein machi cheekh pukaar, nahi chahiye nirmam sarkar‘ (There is an outcry in Bengal is to oust the cruel government),” Modi said during a rally in Alipurduar.
The Prime Minister claimed that West Bengal was now grappling with a series of crises and contended that people of the state now “want change and good governance”. The PM cited the clashes in Murshidabad and Malda to allege that lawbreakers were being allowed to operate unchecked under the guise of appeasement while the police stood by helplessly. This is his first visit to the state since violent clashes broke out in parts of Murshidabad last month following protests over the contentious Waqf Amendment Act. At least three people were killed and several others injured in the communal riots.
Meanwhile Banerjee dubbed the remarks shocking and accused the PM of “politicizing Operation Sindoor” at a time when all-party delegations have fanned out across the globe to share India’s stance on the matter.
“I challenge them… If they have the courage, go for elections tomorrow. We are ready and Bengal is ready… The people of Bengal are with us. Please remember, timing is a factor,” reports quoted her as saying.