Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched attack on the outgoing Left Front administration and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, charging them with undermining the state’s development and damaging its image. Citing recent problems such as discrepancies in teaching recruitment, he specifically assailed the TMC for suspected corruption and maladministration.
Speaking at a large rally in Malda district, PM Modi lamented the decline of Bengal’s once-proud legacy in various fields like social reform, science, and spirituality. He blamed both the Left Front and the TMC for undermining the state’s global standing and allowing corruption to thrive.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Addressing a public rally in North Malda, PM Narendra Modi says, "We say that the mangoes and 'makhana' produced by the farmers of Malda is world famous. The income of these farmers should increase, for which, we will set up a food processing industry. TMC… pic.twitter.com/WdHRDljW7P
— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024
PM Modi seized upon the recent Calcutta High Court ruling invalidating thousands of teaching appointments made by the TMC government, alleging that it jeopardized the prospects of Bengal’s youth. He criticized the rampant corruption in Bengal, claiming that no development activity occurs without under-the-table deals.
Accusing the TMC and the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics, PM Modi accused them of vying for the favor of specific communities. He accused the TMC of tacitly supporting the Congress’ purported wealth redistribution agenda and criticized their partnership in the INDIA bloc.
PM Modi warned against the Congress’ alleged plan for a wealth survey, accusing them of intending to seize assets from the public and distribute them among their preferred vote bank. He claimed that the TMC remained silent on this issue, suggesting complicity or competition in appeasement politics.
In response to PM Modi’s allegations, the Congress clarified that its manifesto did not mention wealth redistribution or any promise to seize assets. Senior leaders like Jairam Ramesh emphasized their support for a comprehensive socio-economic caste census. Shashi Tharoor dismissed PM Modi’s claims as desperate attempts to divert attention from real issues affecting the people.