With the Assembly election just weeks away, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over several issues.
“The people of Bengal had chosen you as ‘Didi’ but why are you remaining the aunt of your nephew? The people of this state are asking only this one question from you,” he said.
Modi also took a swipe at Mamata’s scooter ride to her office. “A few days ago, when you (Mamata) were riding (pillion) on a scooty, everyone was praying that you should not get hurt. It is good that you didn't fall, otherwise, you would have attacked the state where that scooty was manufactured,” PM Modi said. He continued, “Your scooty took a turn towards Nandigram instead of Bhawanipore. I wish everyone well and don't want anyone hurt. But what can I do if the scooty is destined to fall in Nandigram?”
During his speech, Modi implied that TMC, the Left and Congress are on the same side while the people of Bengal are on the other side. “In this Assembly elections, there are TMC, Left and Congress, and their anti-Bengal attitude is on one side. On the other side, there are people of Bengal,” Modi
Modi pointed out that Bengal wants ‘Shanti, Sonar Bangla and Pragatisheel Bangla’ and that only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can fulfil the dream of Sonar Bangla.
“The BJP will fulfil the dream of ‘Sonar Bangla’. I have come here today to assure you on Bengal’s development, to increase investment, to protect Bengal’s culture and bring a change,” Modi said in his rally at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.
The Prime Minister mentioned the great leaders who have addressed the public at the Brigade parade ground and how the people have never left behind their hopes for a change. “This Brigade Parade Ground has witnessed many great leaders and also those who have disrupted West Bengal's progress. People of Bengal have never left their hopes for change. This ground has seen many patriots,” he said, adding that Kolkata and West Bengal are inspiring places in India.
Modi said the next 25 years are very important for the development of Bengal. “The development here in the next five years will lay the foundation for West Bengal’s development in the next 25 years,” Modi said, adding that he has come to make the people believe in ‘Asol Poribortan’.
Modi also addressed that he is here to change West Bengal’s situation, increase investment and industries in the state and reconstruct Bengal. “I have come here to make you believe that we will work hard for farmers, businessmen and the development of sisters and daughters. We will live every moment to fulfil your dreams,” said PM Modi.
Modi said that the democratic system in Bengal has been destroyed and the BJP will make it strong. “You know it well how the democratic system has been destroyed here. BJP will strengthen this system,” he said.
The Prime Minister also brought up the constant accusation made by the Opposition about him working for his friends. “The opposition says that I work for my friends. Who we grow up with are our best friends. I grew up in poverty, therefore I understand the plight of poor people living in every corner of India. I work for my friends and will continue to do so,” Modi said.
Ahead of PM Modi’s rally, former Trinamool MP and actor Mithun Chakraborty joined the BJP in the presence of senior BJP leaders. “It is a dream come true for me. I get to share the stage with the Prime Minister of the world's biggest democracy. I wish to work for the poorer sections of our society, and that wish will now be fulfilled,” he said.
