Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited West Bengal for the first time since the Operation Sindoor was launched and a number of incidents that took place in the eastern state, he launching a blistering attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress government over the Murshidabad riots and the teacher recruitment scam, accused it of fostering violence, corruption and lawlessness, claiming that people in the state are desperate to oust the "nirmam sarkar" (cruel government).
In response to PM Modi's allegations, CM Mamata Banerjee claimed that the Union government was playing 바카라political Holi바카라 in the name of Operation Sindoor while opposition leaders were trying to safeguard national interests globally as she referred to the all-party delegations that include TMC MPs as well.
Banerjee further challenged him of participating in a debate with her on Live Television.
PM Modi Targets Bengal Government Led By Mamata Banerjee
Addressing a public rally in north Bengal's Alipurduar, PM Modi cited the recent incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda as grim reminders of the TMC regime's "cruelty and indifference" towards the ordinary citizens.
"Today, West Bengal is grappling with a series of crises. People don't want 'nirmam sarkar'. They want change and good governance. That is why the whole of Bengal is saying they don't want cruelty and corruption anymore," the prime minister said.
Criticising the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government for the communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda, the PM said the allegation was that lawbreakers were allowed to operate unchecked under the guise of appeasement, while the police stood by helplessly, failing to act.
"Look at what happened in Murshidabad and Malda. These were clear examples of the government's cruelty. In the name of appeasement, lawlessness was allowed to flourish. Hooligans had a free run. Just imagine the horror: members of the ruling party mark out homes and set them on fire, while the police stand by as mute spectators and do nothing," he said.
With the assembly elections set to take place in the state next year, PM Modi said the people are yearning for a change.
"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. There's an outcry across Bengal - 'Bengal mein machi cheekh pukaar, nahi chahiye nirmam sarkar' (Outcry in Bengal is to oust cruel government)," he said.
This is PM Modi's first visit to the state since violent clashes broke out in parts of Murshidabad in April, following protests over the contentious Waqf Amendment Act. At least three people were killed and several others injured in the communal riots.
PM Modi Lists 5 Major Crises In Bengal
PM Modi listed five major crises that are allegedly "plaguing" Bengal under the TMC rule.
"First is the widespread violence and lawlessness that are tearing apart the fabric of society. Second is the growing sense of insecurity among mothers and sisters, compounded by horrific crimes committed against them," the PM alleged.
He said the third crisis is the "despair among youth due to unemployment and lack of opportunities", while the fourth is the "pervasive corruption" destroying the system and eroding public trust.
"The fifth crisis stems from the self-serving politics of the ruling party, which is stripping the poor of their rightful entitlements. Incidents in Murshidabad and Malda are stark examples of the cruelty of the TMC government and its failure to maintain law and order," he said.
Slamming the TMC over the multi-crore teacher recruitment scam, Modi said, "This is not just ruining the lives of a few thousand teachers, but the entire education system is deteriorating. Even now, the TMC refuses to admit its mistakes. Instead, they are blaming the courts and the judicial system."
The Supreme Court, in its April 3 verdict, had cancelled the appointments of over 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, citing irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process.
The prime minister also expressed disappointment over the West Bengal government's absence from the recent NITI Aayog meeting.
"It is unfortunate that the Bengal government chose not to participate in such an important meeting. It shows their lack of seriousness towards development and that they are more interested in playing politics," PM Modi said.
He accused the state government of obstructing the implementation of central development schemes, claiming that out of 4,000 km of rural roads sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in West Bengal, less than 400 km have been constructed so far.
Making a strong outreach to the tribal population of the Alipurduar region, Modi alleged that the TMC government harbours animosity towards tribal communities.
"Even their hatred towards tribal communities is no less. West Bengal has a significant tribal population, yet their welfare is being ignored. To uplift tribal families, the central government launched the PM Janman Scheme, focusing on education, healthcare, housing, and livelihood. But sadly, the TMC government has not implemented the same in the state," he claimed.
The prime minister also referred to TMC's opposition to the NDA's nomination of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, as President of India. Modi further alleged that the TMC government has not implemented the central scheme for traditional artisans and craftsmen, resulting in more than 8 lakh pending applications in the state.
He accused the state government of being "against the poor, backward communities, and women, and not implementing central schemes.
"I am saddened to say that while the entire country is benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the people of West Bengal are being denied access to free health checkups and quality healthcare."
He also raised concerns about the plight of tea garden workers in north Bengal, claiming many estates are shutting down due to "flawed state policies".
CM Mamata Banerjee Charges Back
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee charged back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the allegations he made against her and accused him of attempting to gain political mileage out of 'Operation Sindoor' - the Centre's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
"The Centre named the (military offensive) 바카라Operation Sindoor바카라 for political gains ahead of upcoming elections (in various states),바카라 she alleged.
Banerjee said that the PM invoked the region's deep cultural and emotional connection with vermilion, referring to the traditional ritual of 'Sindoor Khela' observed by Bengali women during Durga Puja, to reinforce India's hardened stance against terrorism.
She said the Union government was playing 바카라political Holi바카라 while opposition leaders were trying to safeguard national interests globally.
"I am disappointed that Modi criticised Bengal at a time when all-party delegations are visiting different countries (to support the Centre바카라s anti-terror stand, especially after the Pahalgam attack)," Banerjee said.
바카라What PM Modi said today, we are not only shocked, but it is unfortunate to hear... The entire opposition is representing the country at the world stage, they have taken a bold step to protect the country's national interest. But is it the time for PM Modi and his leaders to say that they would do 'Operation Bengal' like they did 'Operation Sindoor'?바카라 she added.
Mamata Banerjee drew sharp criticism of PM Modi's 'Operation Bengal' remark, she said, 바카라Modi has disrespected the women of Bengal. We respect everyone but not at the cost of our own self-respect. How dare he say 바카라Operation Bengal바카라? If that is the case, call elections tomorrow. We are ready!바카라
바카라Operation Sindoor was just a political catch. All opposition parties are united and reaching out to the world, and at that time, political Holi is being played,바카라 she added.
Further Banerjee challenged him to a live TV debate and daring the BJP to call early elections in the state.
"I challenge you, come sit with me on a live TV debate. You may bring your teleprompter," Mamata Banerjee said.
PM Modi used the term 'nirmamta' which was a veiled attack and wordplay on Mamata Banerjee바카라s name, which means cruelty in Hindi.
Soon after the PM's speech, the Trinamool Congress, also posted a caricature of PM Modi with the words "PM Modi after Didi's Press conference".
