Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed confidence in a "historic change" in West Bengal after the ongoing assembly elections, stating that he would return to the state to attend the swearing-in ceremony of a BJP government.
Modi's address in Barrackpore
Addressing a rally in Barrackpore, his last campaign stop before the second phase of polls on Wednesday, Modi said, "I sensed the mood of the people of Bengal wherever I went. I am confident that I have to be present here at the oath-taking ceremony after May 4 (the day results are announced)."
He emphasized that India's prosperity is incomplete without "purvoday" (rise of the east) and that Bengal is heading towards a historic change that would "alter the fate of the entire eastern India." Modi added, "Keeping Bengal safe is my duty. I will never shy away from my responsibility."
Historical ties to Bengal
Modi recounted the rise of the Jana Sangh, the BJP's ideological precursor, in Bengal. "The presidency region of Bengal gave birth to Jana Sangh and elected Syama Prasad Mookerjee as an MP. The BJP government in Bengal will fulfil his vow of ending the perils of refugees," he said.
To connect with the Matua community, Modi visited the Matua temple in Thakurnagar and shared on X a photograph of his 2019 meeting with the late Matua matriarch, Baroma Binapani Devi. He underscored the BJP's commitment to protecting Hindus persecuted in neighbouring countries, stating, "Jana Sangh stood firm with refugees. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was considered their spokesperson."
Warning to infiltrators
Modi criticized the Trinamool Congress's "appeasement politics" and vowed to drive out infiltrators. "I am warning the infiltrators to leave Bengal and India before April 29. Otherwise, each of them will be driven out after May 4," he said.
Referring to the first phase of polls on April 23, which saw a record turnout of over 93%, Modi said, "TMC's pride was destroyed in the first phase. The second phase will ensure BJP's massive victory. We have to win in each booth and there is no room for complacency." He added that women were deceived the most during Trinamool's tenure.
I-PAC issue and court order
Modi also referenced the I-PAC issue, saying, "Trinamool and the state government tried to create hindrances in the investigation by a central agency. There were attempts to destroy evidence. But the Supreme Court recently gave a strict order in the matter."
Earlier in Kolkata, before joining a road show, Modi offered prayers at the Thanthania Kalibari.
