PM Modi Condemns Bengal's Law and Order Situation at Cooch Behar Rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sharp critique of West Bengal's law and order during his first rally in the state since the announcement of assembly poll dates. Speaking at Rashmela Maidan in Cooch Behar on Sunday, Modi highlighted the recent targeting of seven judicial officers in Malda's Kaliachak as a glaring example of what he termed the collapse of governance under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration.
Modi Questions Safety of Citizens and Constitutional Authorities
"Everyone can see that the rule of law is collapsing in Bengal," Modi asserted. "Citizens across the country were shocked at how judicial officers were held hostage in Malda. What kind of government is this, where even judges and constitutional authorities are not safe? If they are not safe, how can ordinary people feel secure?" he questioned, emphasizing the broader implications for public safety.
The Prime Minister described the incident as not merely an act of arrogance by the TMC but a reflection of a complete breakdown of law and order, which he characterized as a "state of jungle raj." He noted that the situation had deteriorated to such an extent that the Supreme Court had to intervene, underscoring the severity of the issue.
Infiltration and Electoral Reforms Under Scrutiny
Modi also addressed the contentious issue of infiltration, linking it to demographic changes in Bengal over the past 15 years of TMC rule. "Bengal's demography has undergone a dangerous transformation under the TMC," he stated. "The TMC has allowed infiltrators to enter Bengal and absorbed them into its own syndicate network. That is why the government of India is identifying infiltrators and taking steps to remove them, similar to measures adopted by many other countries."
He accused the TMC government of opposing the Summary Revision of Rolls (SIR) and threatening to scrap the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to protect infiltrators. "They are taking away the rights of Hindu citizens who are legally settled here and giving citizenship to infiltrators, treating them as a vote bank," Modi alleged, with BJP Rajya Sabha member Ananta Maharaj by his side during this segment of the speech.
Political Symbolism and Women's Empowerment Highlighted
In a pointed dig at the TMC, Modi questioned the party's choice of the term 'ishtehar' for its election manifesto, noting its historical connotations. "Instead of using a Bengali word, they have used 'ishtehar', which raises questions about how they are representing Bengal's identity. Back in 1905, religious forces issued a 'Lal Ishtehar' in Bengal, after which there were incidents of violence against Hindus," he remarked, linking it to broader cultural and political narratives.
Shifting focus to women's empowerment, Modi highlighted the government's efforts to implement the women's reservation law. "We believe women should play a greater role in nation-building," he said. "A three-day special Parliament session is scheduled from April 16 to accelerate the implementation of the women's reservation law, which enables 33% representation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by the 2029 elections. This right of mothers and daughters has been pending for 40 years."
Modi Vows Accountability and Justice Post-Elections
Reiterating his signature phrase, Modi promised that "chun chun ke hisaab kiya jayega (each and every one will be held accountable)" for the state's law and order failures. He urged voters to trust the law on polling day, despite potential intimidation by TMC supporters. "You must trust the law on the day of voting, however much TMC supporters try to intimidate you. Ebar Bangla theke bhoy palabe (This time fear will disappear from Bengal). Inke paapo ka pura hisaab kiya jayega (their sins will be fully accounted for)... chun chun ke hisaab kiya jayega," he declared.
Modi concluded by vowing that justice would be delivered after the election results are announced on May 4, reinforcing his commitment to restoring order and accountability in West Bengal.
