Purba Medinipur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday addressed a massive public rally in the Kanthi Dakshin Assembly constituency of West Bengal, launching a sharp political attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and calling for a decisive mandate in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking at his third rally of the day, Adityanath asserted that Bengal’s cultural identity must be preserved, stating that “the people of Bengal will speak Bangla, not Urdu,” and that “no extremist culture will be allowed to take root in the state.” He emphasized that Bengal’s heritage and pride cannot be altered, adding that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation stands united with the people of the state.
Drawing parallels with Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister said that the “double-engine government” model had transformed the state into one free from riots and prolonged curfews, and promised a similar turnaround in West Bengal if the BJP is voted to power.
Invoking Bengal’s Legacy
Highlighting Bengal’s historic and cultural significance, Adityanath described it as the land of “Vande Mataram” and paid tribute to iconic figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Jagadish Chandra Bose, Swami Pranavananda, Swami Vivekananda, and Subhas Chandra Bose. He said their contributions continue to inspire the nation and reflect Bengal’s enduring intellectual and spiritual legacy.
He also referred to the vision of “one nation, one constitution” associated with Dr. Mukherjee, stating that it had been realized under the current central leadership, enabling greater national integration.
Attack on Governance and Economy
The Chief Minister alleged that West Bengal, once a major contributor to India’s economy, has weakened under successive governments led by Congress, Left parties, and TMC. He claimed that welfare funds sent by the Centre are being siphoned off, while corruption and extortion have replaced development.
Criticizing the TMC’s slogan “Maa, Maati, Manush,” Adityanath said the ground reality reflects distress among women, encroachment on land, and fear among citizens due to political violence and crime.
He further alleged that industries are shutting down and migrating out of the state, adversely affecting employment and economic growth. In contrast, he highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s progress in industrial expansion, MSME growth, and job creation.
Law and Order, “Bulldozer Model”
Recalling the situation in Uttar Pradesh before 2017, Adityanath said the state had witnessed frequent riots and parallel power structures run by mafia elements. He claimed that since the BJP came to power, law and order has improved significantly.
“The bulldozer in Uttar Pradesh is not just for infrastructure but also for action against mafia, demolition of illegal properties, and ensuring justice,” he said, reiterating his government’s tough stance on crime.
Cultural and Religious Assertions
In a strong cultural assertion, the Chief Minister said, “India will continue to worship Maa Kali and Maa Ganga, and every citizen will chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’.” He added that when 145 crore Indians unite with the voice of Prime Minister Modi, “anti-national forces will weaken and saffron will be seen in every home.”
Allegations Against TMC
Adityanath accused the TMC government led by Mamata Banerjee of undermining Bengal’s identity and failing to curb illegal infiltration along the Bangladesh border. He alleged delays in border fencing and claimed that demographic changes were being ignored.
He also criticized restrictions on religious processions such as Ram Navami and accused the state government of allowing unlawful activities to flourish.
Call for Change
Urging voters to support the BJP, Adityanath said the elections present an opportunity to restore Bengal’s identity, security, and economic strength. “Bengal once led the nation in culture and growth. With the right leadership, it can do so again,” he said.
In the presence of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister appealed to voters to back party candidates across constituencies, including Arup Kumar Das (Kanthi Dakshin), Tapan Maity (Patashpur), Chandrashekhar Mandal (Ramnagar), Dibyendu Adhikari (Egra), Sumita Sinha (Kanthi Uttar), and Shantanu Pramanik (Bhagwanpur).
The rally marked a significant push by the BJP to consolidate support in the coastal belt of Purba Medinipur, with Adityanath positioning the party as an alternative promising governance, development, and cultural assertion.
