Kolkata, BJP President Amit Shah said on Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alone can bring progress in Bengal as he urged the people to uproot the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state.
Addressing a massive rally in central Kolkata’s Mayo Road, Shah came down heavily on the West Bengal’s ruling party, accusing it of being involved in a series of corruption cases, besides destroying the law and order situation in the state.
Shah said the BJP is the only alternative.
“Ever since the Trinamool Congress government came to power in Bengal — seven years ago, there has been a series of corruption (cases) starting from the Narada scandal, Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scams … syndicates and the unlawful activities of cattle mafias and coal mafias.
“In order to free Bengal from the grasp of this corruption, it is necessary to bring the Narendra Modi-led BJP in power here.
“It is not just a question of ‘Paribartan’ (change) this time. I ask all of you to uproot this Trinamool Congress government and throw it away,” the BJP chief thundered.
Pointing out that the Congress, Left front and Trinamool were all given a chance to run the state, Shah urged people of West Bengal to now give a chance to the BJP as he promised to bring back Bengal’s glorious past.
“Trinamool Congress, Communists and Congress cannot bring prosperity in Bengal. They were given opportunities by the people but they failed. Give one chance to Narendra Modi, he will bring development in Bengal,” Shah said.
“Even if the Congress and the Trinamool come together in the state, it would be of no avail”.
Pointing out that the BJP is in power in 19 states, Shah claimed his party’s journey would not be complete unless it won West Bengal — the land of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
He also claimed there has been a total collapse of the law and order in the state under the current regime.
“Bengal is filled with the sound of bombs and bullets. Everyday we get to hear about the unearthing of illegal bomb factories, gun factories.
“The number of illegal arms factories are increasing day-by-day under this Trinamool Congress government. Bengal has broken all records in terms of crime and corruption,” he said.
On the issue of graft, Shah made a veiled attack on Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee — Trianmool MP and widely regarded as her prospective successor.
“During the 14th Finance Commission, the Narendra Modi government allotted Rs 3,59,000 crore to Bengal as compared to Rs 1.32,000 crore given by the UPA government during the previous Finance Commission. Where did all the money go? Did it disappear in the pockets of syndicates and the nephew?” Shah asked.
Referring to Banerjee’s meetings with the UPA leaders, Shah alleged she has a nexus with them.
“Mamata goes to meet the UPA leaders many times. She differs from them at times but also supports them on many issues. They are actually together,” he claimed.
He also urged the people of Bengal to ensure the BJP wins 22-plus Lok Sabha seats in Bengal in 2019.
