Howrah (WB), March 2 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Monday that criminals in West Bengal would be "in jail or wherever," within a month of a BJP government coming to power in the state.
However, he said eliminating unemployment in Bengal, from where a significant number of people migrate for work to other states, would take around five to 10 years.
Singh was addressing a ‘Parivartan Yatra’ rally in Amta, Howrah district.
"Within a month of the formation of a BJP government in Bengal, criminals will either be in jail, or wherever," he said.
He added that a BJP government in Bengal would create jobs for the youth. "It will take us five to 10 years to eliminate the problem of unemployment here," Singh said.
Singh alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) was dividing people in the state.
"The BJP does not engage in politics merely to form governments, but to reform society. The TMC, on the other hand, is dividing the people of the state," he said.
He asked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, "Why are those involved in crimes not being punished in the state? You have been running the government for 15 years. Why has poverty not been eradicated in West Bengal, and why do women not feel safe?"
Accusing Banerjee of favouring criminals, Singh said, "Her affection is for the criminals, the corrupt, and people of a particular religion."
He added that criminals now believe nothing will happen to them under her regime.
Singh claimed that according to NCRB records, the highest incidents of atrocities on women take place in Bengal.
"In Bengal, the rule of law breakers prevails, not that of the law," he alleged.
Stating that the time for change in Bengal has come, he urged the people of the poll-bound state not to falter this time.
"The soil of Bengal is giving the clarion call that TMC's atrocities will not continue anymore in the state," he said.
He added that violence and the fear of atrocities against women were widespread. "If anyone dares to harm the womenfolk of the state, they will be taught a lesson by a BJP government," he said.
"The situation in the state has turned so bad that people are afraid, and women think twice before venturing out of their houses," Singh said.
Maintaining that corruption is prevalent in all parts of West Bengal, he said people across the state are complaining about it.
"But the people are now confident that the Mamata Banerjee government is on its way out, and the BJP is coming to power," he said.
Singh asserted that once a BJP government is formed in the state, Bengal will see unforeseen development and progress.
"The people of Bengal want a real change where there will be good governance, development and security," he said.