PM Narendra Modi (PTI image) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sharpened the BJP’s campaign pitch in poll-bound West Bengal, focusing on issues of infiltration, citizenship and alleged corruption under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.Addressing a public rally in Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, PM Modi promised that the process of granting citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) would be expedited for eligible refugee families if the BJP comes to power in the state.In total, PM Modi addressed three rallies in poll-bound state. He conducted poll rallies in Katwa, Jangipur and Murshidabad. In a separate rally in Jangipur, PM Modi said: “From Sandeshkhali to RG Kar, this (TMC) ruthless government stood up to protect rapists. Bengal does not forget this. The era of fear will end.”He specifically reached out to the Matua and Namasudra communities, who form a significant electoral base in several districts of South Bengal.“I want to tell the Matua and Namasudra refugee families that they are under the protection of the country’s Constitution. Modi enacted the CAA law so that Matua, Namasudra, and all refugees get citizenship,” the Prime Minister said.He further added that a BJP government would accelerate the citizenship process for all eligible applicants under the CAA.“After the BJP government is formed, the process of granting citizenship under CAA will be accelerated for all eligible applicants,” he said.Stepping up his attack on alleged illegal immigration, PM Modi said ‘infiltrators’ would have to leave the state if the BJP comes to power.“The infiltrators should start packing their bags; it is time to leave. Those who have helped the infiltrators will not be spared,” he said.The Prime Minister also launched a sharp attack on the ruling TMC, alleging that its 15-year rule had created an atmosphere of fear in the state.“The 15-year rule of the TMC has given nothing but fear to every citizen, every family of Bengal,” he said.He added that the upcoming election was aimed at removing that atmosphere and bringing in what he called a “Bengal free of fear”.“This election is to eradicate the TMC’s fear. Such a change would be the first step towards building a developed Bengal.”PM Modi also intensified his allegations against the TMC over corruption, promising strict action if the BJP comes to power.He said a BJP government would release a “white paper” detailing alleged corruption under the current regime and ensure accountability.“BJP will bring a white paper to ensure a legal accounting of corruption involving TMC’s MLAs, ministers, and syndicates,” he said.During the rally, PM Modi also shared a video clip of him claiming a strong public turnout. He said that large crowds had gathered even at the helipad before the start of his programme.He also accused the TMC of spreading misinformation about BJP schemes and said his party would not discontinue welfare benefits but remove corruption and middlemen from their implementation.“BJP won’t stop anything. BJP will only shut down the shop of corruption,” he said.In an effort to reach out to women voters, PM Modi announced a monthly financial support scheme.“BJP has announced Rs 3,000 per month for women,” he said, adding that the party was committed to strengthening welfare delivery.He also claimed growing public support for the BJP in West Bengal, saying high voter participation and enthusiasm, especially among women, indicated a strong mandate in the party’s favour.The rallies come ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.In a separate rally in Murshidabad, PM Modi said that his party is working to implement the UCC in West Bengal. “The security of the nation is paramount to us. The BJP is resolved to implement the UCC (Uniform Civil Code) in Bengal and put an end to the politics of appeasement once and for all,” he said. The 2021 elections saw the TMC return to power with a strong majority, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar’s Rajya Sabha Oath Triggers Bihar Leadership Buzz: Who Will Be the Next CM?Mirzapur Horror Caught on CCTV: Attackers Panic After Killing Advocate As Bike Stalls While EscapingWatch PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Engage In Candid Talk At Event To Pay Tribute To Jyotiba PhuleFrom Prayer To Panic: Final Moments Before Mathura Boat Tragedy Emerges, Rescue Operations ContinueIndia-US Ties Get Real Boost As Vikram Misri Wraps Up Key Visit After Talks On LPG, Nuclear PowerIndia Walks Diplomatic Tightrope, Condemns Bloodshed In Lebanon, But Does Not Name IsraelDelhi Police Crack Down on ISI-Linked Spy Module, 10 Arrested; Second Network Busted After Pan-India Surveillance Plot’Chokepoints Now A Global Anxiety’: Jaishankar Invokes West Asia Crisis At Indian Ocean ConferenceMathura: Boat Carrying Devotees Capsizes In Yamuna; 10 Bodies Recovered, Rescue Ops OnQatar Assures Reliable Energy Supply To India Amid West Asia Crisis After Hardeep Puri’s Doha Visit123PhotostoriesTop 5 emerging real estate hotspots in India and why people are investing hereWhy you should avoid certain types of sprouts and 3 common mistakes to avoid while consuming themDivyanka Tripathi to Smriti Irani: TV queens who made us love sarees all over againTemples in India with incredible backstories that will leave you amazed24 hours in Delhi: 10 summer-friendly street foods to enjoy in the national capitalCute first and middle names for kids born on SaturdayHow to make Kathal ke Kebab for weekend lunch6 smart small balcony layouts that maximise space effortlessly8 modern and not-so-common baby names for kids born on a FridayFrom Vivek Dahiya getting emotional during Divyanka Tripathi’s pregnancy scan to pampering her midnight cravings, the couple share their journey123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStephen Curry charityLaura Loomer reactionIndia Lebanon civilianRajouri grenade recoveryUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Hinjewadi Metro lineUS inflationSchool Holidays in AprilLaken Snelling case
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sharpened the BJP’s campaign pitch in poll-bound West Bengal, focusing on issues of infiltration, citizenship and alleged corruption under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.Addressing a public rally in Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, PM Modi promised that the process of granting citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) would be expedited for eligible refugee families if the BJP comes to power in the state.In total, PM Modi addressed three rallies in poll-bound state. He conducted poll rallies in Katwa, Jangipur and Murshidabad. In a separate rally in Jangipur, PM Modi said: “From Sandeshkhali to RG Kar, this (TMC) ruthless government stood up to protect rapists. Bengal does not forget this. The era of fear will end.”He specifically reached out to the Matua and Namasudra communities, who form a significant electoral base in several districts of South Bengal.“I want to tell the Matua and Namasudra refugee families that they are under the protection of the country’s Constitution. Modi enacted the CAA law so that Matua, Namasudra, and all refugees get citizenship,” the Prime Minister said.He further added that a BJP government would accelerate the citizenship process for all eligible applicants under the CAA.“After the BJP government is formed, the process of granting citizenship under CAA will be accelerated for all eligible applicants,” he said.Stepping up his attack on alleged illegal immigration, PM Modi said ‘infiltrators’ would have to leave the state if the BJP comes to power.“The infiltrators should start packing their bags; it is time to leave. Those who have helped the infiltrators will not be spared,” he said.The Prime Minister also launched a sharp attack on the ruling TMC, alleging that its 15-year rule had created an atmosphere of fear in the state.“The 15-year rule of the TMC has given nothing but fear to every citizen, every family of Bengal,” he said.He added that the upcoming election was aimed at removing that atmosphere and bringing in what he called a “Bengal free of fear”.“This election is to eradicate the TMC’s fear. Such a change would be the first step towards building a developed Bengal.”PM Modi also intensified his allegations against the TMC over corruption, promising strict action if the BJP comes to power.He said a BJP government would release a “white paper” detailing alleged corruption under the current regime and ensure accountability.“BJP will bring a white paper to ensure a legal accounting of corruption involving TMC’s MLAs, ministers, and syndicates,” he said.During the rally, PM Modi also shared a video clip of him claiming a strong public turnout. He said that large crowds had gathered even at the helipad before the start of his programme.He also accused the TMC of spreading misinformation about BJP schemes and said his party would not discontinue welfare benefits but remove corruption and middlemen from their implementation.“BJP won’t stop anything. BJP will only shut down the shop of corruption,” he said.In an effort to reach out to women voters, PM Modi announced a monthly financial support scheme.“BJP has announced Rs 3,000 per month for women,” he said, adding that the party was committed to strengthening welfare delivery.He also claimed growing public support for the BJP in West Bengal, saying high voter participation and enthusiasm, especially among women, indicated a strong mandate in the party’s favour.The rallies come ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.In a separate rally in Murshidabad, PM Modi said that his party is working to implement the UCC in West Bengal. “The security of the nation is paramount to us. The BJP is resolved to implement the UCC (Uniform Civil Code) in Bengal and put an end to the politics of appeasement once and for all,” he said. The 2021 elections saw the TMC return to power with a strong majority, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats.
