Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress on Tuesday, accusing them of supporting infiltrators while opposing the CAA, which he said 'grants citizenship to refugees'.
During an election rally in Balurghat, Modi further claimed that the TMC had handed over West Bengal to criminals and infiltrators.
PM Modi on Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal
The Prime Minister condemned the TMC government for its opposition to the Ram Navami festivities in the state, describing the Calcutta High Court's decision to permit a VHP procession in Howrah as a 'victory of truth'.
"This year’s Ram Navami celebrations are a bit different as Ram Lalla has returned home in Ayodhya. But the TMC, just like in previous years, is opposing Ram Navami celebrations in the state," he said.
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The high court on Monday granted permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to conduct a procession on Ram Navami in Howrah city, with certain conditions to ensure a peaceful event.
During a rally in Raiganj, Modi alleged that the TMC government prohibits Ram Navami processions but permits pelting stones at them.
"Under the TMC regime, corruption and crime have turned into a full-time business in Bengal. Corruption and crime are rampant in the state," he said.
'TMC Protecting Goons': PM Modi on Sandeshkhali row
The prime minister expressed shock at the allegations of sexual abuse against TMC leaders in Sandeshkhali, stating that the entire nation was deeply disturbed by the crimes against women in the riverine island.
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“The country has seen how the TMC government tried to protect the culprits there,” he said.
“Corruption and crime are rampant in the state. Even central agencies are attacked when they try to investigate these corruption cases. It seems that the TMC has given the state on lease to infiltrators and goons," Modi said.
He also criticized the TMC government for its opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which claims to seek to grant citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India prior to December 31, 2014.
"The state government here protects infiltrators but opposes the CAA, which provides citizenship to legal refugees. Don't be misled by such campaigns. They resort to lies and canards for vested political interests,” the PM said.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has pledged to prevent the enforcement of CAA in West Bengal. Modi has called on voters to oppose the TMC because of its 'misrule and corruption.'
"Under the TMC, Bengal has become a haven for corrupt individuals and extortionists," he alleged.
The prime minister also raised the issue of “violence” against BJP workers in the state, and blamed the TMC for its politics of “intimidation and threats”.
"BJP workers are being targeted and killed almost daily in Bengal," he said.
The PM said the ruling party in the state has grown uneasy since the introduction of ‘Modi's Guarantee’.
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“They (TMC) have denied the people of Bengal benefits of central schemes. However, realising the potential of those schemes, it has now become apprehensive," he said.
"Despite the TMC's opposition, I assure you that I will strive to develop Bengal in the next five years," Modi asserted.
(With PTI inputs)
