PM Modi was addressing a rally of the BJP's Mahila Morcha in Barasat, some 80-odd km from Sandeshkhali.
In a scathing critique of the Mamata Banerjee-led administration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Bengal government of shielding a “culprit”– a veiled reference to Sandeshkhali strongman Sheikh Shahjahan. The women of West Bengal are furious, and the storm unleashed in Sandeshkhali promises to sweep through every corner of the state, PM Modi said today.
“Ei baar, 400 paar, NDA sarkar, 400 paar” (This time, crossing 400, NDA government, crossing 400),” he said during a rally of the BJP”s Mahila Morcha in Barasat, some 80-odd km from Sandeshkhali.
Labelling the Mamata Banerjee government as “anti-women,” the Prime Minister also highlighted its alleged failure to implement numerous welfare schemes intended for women in the state.
Addressing the women in attendance, he hailed them as the embodiment of strength, likening their resolve to that of Goddess Durga. PM Modi condemned the atrocities faced by them under the Trinamool regime and said, “Trinamool has committed a grave sin. What happened in Sandeshkhali would make anyone ashamed. But the Trinamool government doesn”t care about your pain. It is using all its might to protect the oppressor of Bengali women, but they have faced jolts in the Supreme Court and high court.”
The Prime Minister”s criticism of the Mamata Banerjee government unfolds against the backdrop of a contentious tussle between the Bengal police and the CBI regarding the custody of Sheikh Shahjahan. Following a directive from the Calcutta High Court to hand over Shahjahan to the central agency, the Mamata Banerjee administration has challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court, refusing to comply until a decision is reached.
Shahjahan, arrested after being on the run for 52 days, faces allegations including sexual harassment, land grabbing, and extortion. While the Trinamool has expelled him, the BJP contends that justice for the victims remains elusive until the central agency interrogates him.
Asserting the growing anxiety within the opposition”s INDIA bloc, which includes the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, PM Modi remarked, “Their palpable unease is evident as the BJP gears up for a return to power. They resort to hurling abuses at Modi in their distress.”
Responding to criticism of his stance against dynastic politics, and also as a counter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav”s “Modi has no family” remark, PM Modi said, “Dynastic leaders question my background. Let them come forward. My family is the people of this nation. This is the “parivar” (family) of Modi.”
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, he recounted his journey, emphasising the love he received from countless families as he traversed the country.
“I did not have a dime in my pocket. But you would be proud to know that one or the other family would ask me daily if I have eaten. I roamed around with a jhola, but I never spent a day hungry. That”s why I say 140 crore people of this country are my family,” he said, adding, “I am now trying to repay those favours.”
