Sonamukhi/Purba Medinipur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intensified the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign in West Bengal on Sunday, addressing massive public rallies in Sonamukhi, Nandakumar, and Kanthi Dakshin Assembly constituencies. In a series of sharp political attacks, he targeted the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Left parties, and Congress, accusing them of fostering lawlessness, appeasement politics, and corruption in the state.
Addressing enthusiastic crowds, Adityanath claimed that “goondaism” by TMC and Left cadres could only be countered by the BJP, asserting that a “double-engine government” would restore law and order and ensure development. He alleged that the TMC’s slogan of “Maa, Maati, Manush” no longer reflected the ground reality, stating that “women are unsafe, land is under the grip of infiltrators, and people live in fear.”
Sharp Attack on TMC Governance
The Chief Minister launched a blistering critique of the ruling party, saying the acronym TMC stood for “tushtikaran (appeasement), mafiaraj, and cut money.” He accused the state government led by Mamata Banerjee of presiding over violence and suppressing political opposition.
Citing alleged incidents of violence against BJP workers, Adityanath said several party members had been attacked, with some even losing their lives. He called upon voters to bring the BJP to power in West Bengal, promising that a government aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre would effectively deal with “rioters and anti-social elements.”
Remarks on Language and Cultural Identity
In a controversial remark, Adityanath criticized statements attributed to local leadership in Kolkata, asserting that Bengal’s identity would remain rooted in Bengali language and culture. He said, “The people of Bengal will speak Bangla, not Urdu,” adding that “radical elements” would not be allowed to influence the state’s cultural fabric.
Concerns Over Infiltration and Security
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, claiming that demographic changes in districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur, Nadia, Birbhum, and Howrah were a matter of concern. He called for fencing along the nearly 570-km border to curb infiltration and illegal activities.
Referring to violence against minorities in Bangladesh, Adityanath alleged that the West Bengal leadership had remained silent due to “vote bank politics.” He further accused opposition parties of allowing activities that disrupt religious events like Navratri celebrations.
Economic and Governance Comparisons
Drawing comparisons with Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath highlighted what he described as significant improvements in law and order, industrial growth, and employment under his government. He said that before 2017, Uttar Pradesh faced similar issues of unrest and crime, but claimed that the situation had since transformed.
He pointed to rising industrial activity and job creation in Uttar Pradesh, stating that millions of employment opportunities had been generated across sectors. In contrast, he alleged that industries were shutting down in West Bengal, leading to migration and unemployment.
“Bulldozer Model” and Law Enforcement
Reiterating his government’s tough stance on crime, Adityanath referenced the “bulldozer model” of governance, claiming it had effectively curbed mafia activities in Uttar Pradesh. He warned that those attempting to disrupt law and order or harm the state’s cultural and economic fabric would face strict action under a BJP सरकार.
Invoking Bengal’s Legacy
During his speeches, the Chief Minister paid tribute to prominent figures from Bengal’s history, including Khudiram Bose, Subhas Chandra Bose, Swami Vivekananda, and Rabindranath Tagore. He also recalled the contributions of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, emphasizing Bengal’s rich cultural, spiritual, and intellectual heritage.
Adityanath said the state, once a major contributor to India’s economic and cultural strength, had suffered due to years of misrule by successive governments, including Congress, Left parties, and TMC.
Call for Political Change
Urging voters to support the BJP, Adityanath said West Bengal was ready for political transformation. He expressed confidence that the state would move towards development and stability under a BJP-led government, promising improved infrastructure, employment opportunities, and enhanced security for all sections of society.
“The potential of Bengal is immense. With the right leadership and public support, the state can reclaim its past glory,” he said, concluding his address.
