Asansol (WB), April 9 Assuring the abolition of “the culture of extortion and the TMC’s syndicate rule” in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday alleged that the mafia-run system, encompassing illegal coal and sand extraction, has gripped the state’s people.
Addressing a rally at the Polo Grounds in Asansol, in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, Modi also alleged that the black market for illegally extracted coal, which serves as the state’s coal belt, has reached unprecedented levels under the Mamata Banerjee regime.
This was Modi’s second election rally of the day, after his first in Haldia, a port city in Purba Medinipur, where he announced six guarantees for Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls, and called for the removal of the “ruthless” TMC government, accusing it of “setting new standards for development failure and hindering the state’s progress.”
“The Asansol coal belt is now under the control of the TMC’s syndicate. Those involved in illegal coal, sand, and soil extraction have taken control,” Modi said to the large gathering from Asansol, which is considered an industrial hub and known for its high-quality coal production and mining activities.
Asserting that a change in government in West Bengal was inevitable, Modi advocated for a Trinamool-free Bengal to ensure its progress and development.
“The Trinamool’s record is full of failures. Bengal is yearning for a government that can deliver results. After May 4, the state will enter a new era of development,” the PM said, referring to the date of vote counting.
Beginning his speech by invoking local deities, Goddesses Kalyaneshwari and Ghagar Buri Chandi, Modi then highlighted the state’s “economic and industrial decline,” stating that Bengal’s contribution to the national GDP has fallen to mere five per cent from 12 per cent earlier.
“A change in government in Bengal is now inevitable, and the people of Asansol, like in all other parts of the state, want this,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “This is not just an election to change the government; it is an opportunity to restore Asansol’s industrial prowess.”
Modi referred to the once thriving industrial belt in Asansol, where manufacturing units producing high-quality products were based, and said, “Investment has dried up in Asansol’s industrial landscape. Only the BJP’s double-engine government can rectify this.”
He said that the Centre had allocated Rs 45,000 crore for the revival of industries in Asansol.
Modi emphasized that both Asansol and Durgapur have the potential to become megacities, and assured the people that the BJP-led NDA government will bring this development once in power.
The PM alleged, "The TMC has only brought 'ruthlessness' to the region, while the BJP-led Centre has developed Asansol despite the obstacles created by the state’s ruling party."
Speaking of the alleged rise in cases of crimes against women in the industrial region, Modi claimed that Bengal had the highest number of acid attacks in the country.
“The TMC stands with those who torture women. The criminals enjoy the patronage of the ruling party and are moving freely. Only the BJP can ensure women’s safety,” he said.
Modi insisted that “the rule of law” would be established in Bengal after the TMC is removed from power on May 4.
“Every TMC goon will be apprehended and held accountable. My message to those who have looted and destroyed Bengal is that you will be held responsible,” he said.
The Prime Minister also drew the crowd’s attention to the Malda gherao of judicial officers last week and the subsequent violence in Mothabari over dissatisfaction with the deletion of names from the SIR list, stating that this incident was "the final blow to the TMC’s reign of terror."
