Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the BJP’s growing influence in West Bengal while criticizing the Mamata Banerjee-led government. In an interview with News18, Modi discussed the BJP’s prospects in the state and accused Banerjee of orchestrating political violence.
In the interview, conducted by Aman Sharma, Payal Mehta, Aman Chopra, and Amitabh Sinha, Modi addressed the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in eight constituencies of West Bengal. He highlighted the BJP’s performance in the 2021 assembly elections, where the party made significant gains despite not forming the government.
Responding to questions about Banerjee’s slogan of ‘Maa, Maati, Manush’ and the current state of political violence and atrocities against women, Modi stated that Banerjee has not lost control but is actively orchestrating the violence. “This is the kind of politics that suits her. She uses the government machinery with this aim. She has a lot of control, but all of it is in the wrong direction,” he said.
Modi emphasized that Banerjee is not only in control but also protects those involved in violent acts. “She is the one who orchestrates and protects those who carry out such acts. It is her conviction that this is the only way to stay in power,” he added.
Addressing Banerjee’s gestures of sending mangoes and regional delicacies, Modi acknowledged the protocol but insisted it doesn’t excuse the government’s wrongdoing. “Whether the chief minister sends me mangoes or mishti doi, it’s done according to protocol, and I’ll thank her for it. But that does not mean I can be blind to all the wrongdoing,” he said.
Modi also spoke about the BJP’s unprecedented growth in Bengal, noting that the party’s reach has expanded significantly. “The speed at which the BJP has grown in Bengal is unprecedented. We had three seats before and won 80 in the previous assembly elections. But some dubbed it as a defeat because we could not form the government. It was a big moment for us as we reached 80 from only three seats before,” he explained.
He highlighted the dedication of BJP MPs working in Bengal and the party’s success in reaching every stratum of society. “Our MPs are working in Bengal with their heads held high. The people of Bengal don’t want another division; they don’t want to see the state being torn apart,” Modi concluded.
