Category: West Bengal

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Penultimate phase of polling underway in Bengal

Bengal heads for penultimate phase of polling

There are 268 candidates from different political parties are in the fray of which 37 candidates are female…reports Asian Lite News

West Bengal is going for the last but one round of polling of the eight-phase elections on Monday where 34 Assembly constituencies spread across five districts are going for polls.

Of the 34 constituencies 9 Assembly constituencies each are in Murshidabad and West Burdwan, 6 each in South Dinajpur and Malda and 4 in Kolkata.

In this seventh phase 268 candidates from different political parties are in the fray of which 37 candidates are female.

The total number of electors including service voters in these constituencies are 81,96,242 with 42,00,447 male electors and 39,88,239 female voters.

People waiting for casting their votes at Rashbehari Constituency during 7th phase of State Assembly election in Kolkata on Monday, April 26, 2021.(Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)

The total number of polling booths are 11,376 that includes 8,634 main and 2,742 auxiliary booths.

The number of 80 plus voters are 1,01,069 while 50,919 are PWD (Persons with Disabilities) voters.

The total number of service electors are 7,335, third gender voters are 221 while overseas voters are 33.

Also read:Mamata cries foul in Bengal polls

Though primarily 36 Assembly constituencies were scheduled for the election but it was reduced to 34 after the death of two Sanjukta Morcha candidates of Samsergunj and Jangipur Assembly constituencies in Murshidabad the elections in these two constituencies were deferred to May 16.

The Election Commission has deployed 26 general observers, 9 expenditure observers and 6 police observers for the 7th phase of polls. There will be webcasting facilities in 50 per cent of the booths and micro-observers will be deployed in 20 per cent of the booths.

Voter at Rashbehari Assembly Constituency of Kolkata South Election District.(Twitter)

Of the total 11376 booths there are 5,028 booths that are considered to be highly sensitive. According to Election Commission data Murshidabad with 1,680 sensitive booths has the highest number of sensitive booths followed by West Burdwan that has 1,428 sensitive booths. Apart from that Malda and South Dinajpur have 1,120 and 420 sensitive booths respectively.

The four constituencies of Kolkata have 380 sensitive booths.

The Commission has deployed 653 companies of central forces for the seventh phase of Assembly elections with more concentration of forces in the bordering districts- Malda, South Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Murshidabad will have the highest allocation of 204 companies, Malda will have 122 companies while South Dinajpur will have 110 companies.

Also read:BJP targets division of non-BJP votes for Bengal polls

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India News West Bengal

Rajasthan betting hub predicts BJP victory in WB

While the bets for the Bengal polls are in full swing, the sessions for other states, namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry are yet to start…reports Archana Sharma

Phalodi, a small Rajasthan town that is home to the famous betting market, predicts a clear victory for the BJP in the ongoing West Bengal polls, giving it 150-160 seats in the 294-member Assembly while giving the ruling Trinamool Congress only 100-110 seats.

The small town has come alive against the backdrop of the ongoing Assembly polls in five states. While the bets for the Bengal polls are in full swing, the sessions for other states, namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry are yet to start, said punters engaged in a number game here.

Speaking to IANS on the condition of anonymity, a bookie from the town asserted: “The BJP continues to be a favourite of bookies this election season and it will get around 150-160 seats in Bengal. Didi (Mamata Bannerjee) is headed for a defeat and there are chances that the BJP will form the government with an alliance.”

The trends, however, are showing small changes daily, he added.

Also read:West Bengal Cong still in disarray

Another punter told to IANS that the rate on Monday in the Phalodi betting market went in the favour of 153 seats — a slim majority — for the BJP.

However, the market says that this is not the final figure presently as it will depend on trends appearing in the next rounds of polling.

Four days back, the BJP stood on a figure of 128 seats, however, thereafter, sentiments have gone stronger in favour of it, he added.

Overall, the Phalodi market says that the BJP will form a government in the state, but there can be chances that it might need alliance for this goal, he added.

Punters said that Trinamool Congress will get 100-110 seats while other parties including Congress-Left, AIMIM etc will altogether secure 30 seats.

Didi will herself lose the polls in Nandigram to her former lieutenant Suvendu Adhikari, the punters say, but note that bets on this have not yet started.

Also read:Rajasthan to be 12th state to complete ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ reform

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India News West Bengal

Mamata barred from campaigning for 24 hours

The Commission had sent notices to Banerjee for her remarks against central forces and a statement which had alleged religious overtones….reports Asian Lite News

Unsatisfied with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s responses to the two notices of the Election Commission, the poll panel on Monday barred the Trinamool Congress supremo from any kind of campaigning for 24 hours, from 8 pm on Monday to 8 pm on Tuesday.

The Commission had sent notices to Banerjee for her remarks against central forces and a statement which had alleged religious overtones.

In a five-page letter written to the Chief Minister, the Commission said: “The Commission hereby condemns such statements potent with serious law and order problem across the state(s) and sternly warns Mamata Banerjee and advises her to desist from using such statements while making public utterances during the period when Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force. The Commission also imposes a ban of 24 hours on Banerjee from campaigning in any manner”.

Banerjee was quick to respond and announced a dharna against this “unconstitutional decision”.

“To protest against this undemocratic and unconstitutional decision of the Election Commission, I will sit on a dharna on Tuesday at Gandhi Murti from 12 noon,” she tweeted.

On April 7 the EC had served a notice to the CM directing her to submit a written clarification explaining her open demand for votes on communal grounds for her party Trinamool Congress in the ongoing Assembly elections in the state.

Also read:As Covid cases spike, Modi looks avert reverse migration

“I am requesting my minority brothers and sisters with folded hands, don’t divide the minority votes after listening to the devil person who had taken money from the BJP. He passes many communal statements and initiates clashes between the Hindus and the Muslims. He is one of the apostles of the BJP, comrade. The comrades of CPM and BJP are roaming around with the money given by the BJP to divide the minority votes,” she had said.

In her reply she wrote :”I did not seek to influence the voters to cast their vote for her on religious segmentary lines I categorically spoke on the religious harmony lines with the spirit of the MCC.”

The Commission issued a second show cause notice for her “attempt to berate and vilify the central forces by making false, provocative and intemperate statements”.

West Bengal polls(Twitter)

“I know under whose instruction they beat up and how they beat up, It is your duty to save the family of the people. If any of your mothers and sisters suffer a single stroke with a stick attack them… I am telling you. It is the right of the women. And if anyone of our mothers and sisters is denied entry in the voting compartment all of you come out and revolt,” she said.

Banerjee in her reply again defended herself and said “In my speech I had only called upon the voters to protest (democratically by gherao) if and when somebody (including CAPF) created any obstruction in their right to vote. Gherao is a democratic way of registering protest”.

The Commission said Banerjee, who happens to be the Chief Minister of the poll-bound state has violated the Model Code of Conduct as well as section 123(3) and (3A) of the Representation of the People’s Act 1951 and sections `186, 189 and 505 of Indian Penal Code and made highly insinuating and provocative remarks laden with serious potential of breakdown of law and and hereby adversely affecting the poll process.

The fifth of the eight-phase Assembly election in Bengal is scheduled to be held on April 17. The results will be declared on May 2.

Also read:Mamata cries foul in Bengal polls

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India News Politics West Bengal

BJP targets division of non-BJP votes for Bengal polls

The Congress, Left and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) of cleric Peerzada Abbas Siddiqui are part of the Samyukta Morcha…reports Asian Lite News

To ensure division of non-BJP votes among the ruling Trinamool Congress and the ‘Samyukta Morcha’, the saffron party will start attacking the Congress in the remaining fives phases of Assembly elections in the state.

The Congress, Left and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) of cleric Peerzada Abbas Siddiqui are part of the Samyukta Morcha. The BJP strategists believe that a triangular contest in the last five phases will benefit the party, while a direct fight with the Trinamool may go against it.

“Division of non-BJP votes among the Trinamool and the Congress-led alliance will help us improve our position. On the other hand, consolidation of non-BJP votes only in favour of the Trinamool will help the ruling party in Bengal,” a senior BJP leader said.

Another senior saffron party leader explained that the last five legs of Bengal Assembly polls will be crucial, and consolidation of all non-BJP votes in favour of Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool will not do the BJP any good.

Bihar BJP workers .

“Division of non-BJP votes among the Trinamool and the Congress or its alliance partners will brighten up our chances,” he said.

To divide the non-BJP votes among the Trinamool and the Congress-led alliance, the saffron party is all set to launch an attack on the grand old party.

“Congress has its presence in many areas where polling will be conducted in the coming phases. They also have sitting MLAs there. Shifting of Congress votes in these seats to the Trinamool in a close contest will strengthen the ruling party and we have to stop this,” the BJP leader said.

Also read:BJP’s Assam manifesto focuses flood

As per the strategy, the BJP will now start attacking the Congress-led Samyukta Morcha so that the voters start taking them seriously.

“Non-BJP votes going to the Samyukta Morcha will weaken the Trinamool. Also, Peerzada Abbas Siddiqui might corner the minority votes for the alliance which Mamata Banerjee is eyeing,” he said.

The BJP also believes that now senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may campaign in West Bengal after the completion of elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, something which they haven’t done till now.

“The likely presence of Gandhi siblings in West Bengal will also give us an opportunity to attack the Congress which will ultimately benefit us,” a BJP leader said.

The BJP has identified a few areas that will go to the polls in the remaining phases where the Congress has presence, like Hooghly, Howrah, Noapara, Krishna Nagar, Raiganj, Malda, Murshidabad, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.

“We have to stop shifting of Congress votes to the Trinamool camp in these areas,” a Bengal BJP leader said.

Also read:BJP promises Rs 6,000 for TN fishermen

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India News West Bengal

Mamata cries foul in Bengal polls

The 16 constituencies in South 24 Parganas recorded the lowest turnout at 65.57 per cent till 3 pm…reports Asian Lite News.

Ongoing mass electoral process in some states of India is about to windup in few hours. Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee complaining of ‘blatant’ misuse of Central forces, as many as 68.04 per cent cent of the voters turned out to exercise their franchise till 3 pm during the third phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal on Tuesday, according to official data received here.

As many as 78,564,74 voters in 31 Assembly constituencies spread across three districts — South 24 Parganas, Hooghly and Howrah — are out to cast their votes during the third phase on Tuesday.

According to Election Commission data, around 68.04 per cent polling was recorded in the first five hours of polling, much on the lines of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the elections held on March 27 and April 1, respectively.

Hooghly district, where eight constituencies are going to the polls, recorded the highest turnout at 72.6 per cent, followed by Howrah district where 68.37 per cent polling was recorded in seven constituencies.

The 16 constituencies in South 24 Parganas recorded the lowest turnout at 65.57 per cent till 3 pm.

Long queues of voters could be seen at most of the polling stations. So far, voting has been peaceful barring a few instances of allegations and counter allegations between the Trinamool and the BJP.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee complained of blatant misuse of Central forces in the third phase of polling.

“The blatant misuse of Central forces continues unabated. Despite us repeatedly raising this issue, @ECISVEEP continues to be a mute spectator while men in uniform are being misused at several places to openly intimidate TMC voters & influence many to vote in favour of one party,” Banerjee posted on her official Twitter handle.

There were complaints of violence and voter intimidation both from the Trinamool and BJP camp. While the BJP leaders claimed that the mother of one of their supporters was killed by Trinamool ‘goons’ at Goghat in Hooghly on Monday night, the Trinamool on its part claimed that its candidate from Arambagh, Sujata Mondal, was chased by BJP ‘goons’ at Arandi 1 gram panchayat.

Mondal happens to be the wife of BJP leader Saumitra Khan and had joined the Trinamool recently. The ruling party also alleged that their candidate from Khanakul in Hooghly, Munshi Najbul Karim, was beaten up by BJP supporters. The party is likely to lodge a complaint with the EC on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, the Election Commission suspended a sector officer after three EVMs and four VVPAT machines were found at Trinamool leader Goutam Ghosh’s residence. According to reports, sector officer Tapan Sarkar, who was in-charge of Sector 17 in the Uluberia seat, had spent the night at a relative’s house who happened to be Goutam Ghosh. The EVMs and VVPAT machines with Sarkar were part of the reserve stock. The commission has said that these EVMs won’t be used for voting on Tuesday.

A three-cornered battle between the Trinamool, the BJP and the COngress-Left combine is on the cards in the 31 Assembly seats where polling is underway on Tuesday.

The total number of voters in these constituencies is 78,564,74, including 4,049 service voters, 39,972,18 male electors and 38,590,13 female voters. There are a total of 10,871 polling stations, including 8,480 main and 2,391 auxiliary booths.

The number of 80 plus voters is 1,26,177 while 64,083 are PWDs (persons with disabilities) voters. A total of 243 voters belong to the third gender, while there are two overseas voters.

In total, 205 candidates, including 13 females, from different political parties are in the fray in the third phase of polling. Prominent candidates among them are BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta, Trinamool minister Ashima Patra and CPI(M) leader Kanti Ganguly.

Marking all the 10,871 booths as ‘sensitive’, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed 618 companies of Central forces for the third phase of polling besides retaining another 89 companies of Central forces from the second phase, which are already stationed in South 24 Parganas, pushing up the number of forces to 707 companies – the highest deployment in the ongoing Assembly elections so far.

Also Read-Tight security in Bengal ahead of polls

Read More-West Bengal Cong still in disarray

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India News West Bengal

Final phase of Assam polls records 61% voter turn out

The voters comprising men, women and the first time electorates, in large numbers queued up in front of the polling stations well before they opened at 7 a.m…reports Asian Lite News.

As it is the day of democracy for some states in India, over 61 per cent voters have exercised their franchise till 2 p.m. in the third and final phase of the Assam Assembly polls, conducted in 40 constituencies amid tight security, according to election officials.

Tuesday’s balloting would decide the fate of 337 candidates, including 25 women aspirants.

All Covid-19 protocols for the voters including social distancing and thermal screening are being maintained.

Election officials said that no untoward incident was reported from anywhere of the 12 western Assam districts, bordering Bhutan, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh, where balloting is underway peacefully and smoothly.

The voters comprising men, women and the first time electorates, in large numbers queued up in front of the polling stations well before they opened at 7 a.m.

Polling officials checking Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs) to a distribution center in Uluberia for Assembly polls in West Bengal. (PIB)

The polling would continue till 6 p.m. without any break as the Election Commission has extended an hour in view of the Covid-19 induced situations.

According to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer Nitin Khade, a total of 79,19,641 voters, including 39,07,963 women electorates, are eligible to cast their ballots across 9,587 polling stations in 6,107 locations.

Of the 9,587 polling stations, 316 are all women managed polling stations.

Khade told the media that around 32,000 Central Armed Police Forces, along with thousands of state security force personnel, have been deployed to maintain law and order during this phase in which 45,604 polling personnel were engaged to conduct the polls.

Tuesday’s electoral battle is crucial for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress as both the parties won 11 seats each in the 2016 Assembly polls.

The BJP’s ally Asom Gana Parishad had bagged four seats, while the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) secured eight and six seats, respectively.

Both the BPF and the AIUDF this time are part of the Congress-led ‘Mahajot’ (grand alliance).

In the last elections, the BPF was with the BJP and the AIUDF fought independently.

Tuesday’s polling would also decide the fate of incumbent Finance, Health, Education, PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the ruling party’s state President Ranjeet Kumar Dass.

Sarma, convener of the BJP backed anti-Congress body North East Democratic Alliance, is contesting from the Jalukbari seat from where he has consecutively won since 2001.

Meanwhile, Dass is contesting from the Patacharkuchi seat. In the 2016 elections, he was elected to the Assembly from the Sorbhog constituency.

Nearly 81 per cent of the 73,44,631 voters exercised their franchise in the second phase across 39 constituencies on April 1.

Around 80 per cent of 81,09,815 voters cast their votes on March 27 in the first phase in 47 constituencies.

The results will be declared on May 2.

Also Read-957 candidates to contest in Kerala polls

Read More-Tight security in Bengal ahead of polls

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India News West Bengal

Tight security in Bengal ahead of polls

A total of 725 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be deployed in poll-bound West Bengal, CRPF Director General Kuldiep Singh said on Thursday…reports Asian Lite News.

He said that the operational strength of each company is 72 troopers, and that 495 companies have already been deployed in the state which will go for Assembly polls in eight phases — March 27, April 1, April 6, April 10, April 17, April 22, April 26 and April 29.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of the 82nd anniversary of the country’s largest paramilitary force, the CRPF chief said 230 more companies will soon arrive in the state and will be deputed at specific places in West Bengal. He said 350-370 of the total companies are from his force.


CRPF Jawans showing Body Buildig Skills stunt during 82nd Raising Day of CRPF at Kadarpur in Gurugram. (Pallav Paliwal)

Singh, a 1986-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, said that deployment in the different phases of elections is being worked out.

Women Daredevils of CRPF perform stunt during 82nd  Raising Day of CRPF at  Kadarpur in Gurugram. (Pallav Paliwal)

“It is pre-poll deployment, and the reason behind it is to boost security in the state so that anti-social elements and such activities could not occur,” he said.

Asked about the threat assessment, the DG said, “We supply support to the state authorities. Threat assessments are done by state authorities. They decide our deployment based on inputs.”

“State authorities work on intelligence basis. We do not interfere in those matters. We provide support to the state authorities so that peaceful and successful elections could be held under the directions of the Election Commission.”

Also Read- Shah to meet injured cops during farmer protest

The DG said that the CRPF is committed for peaceful, free and fair elections wherever it is deployed by the Central government

“The CRPF only provide support to the state authorities in maintaining law and order, we do not gather intelligence inputs.”

Women Daredevils of CRPF perform stunt during 82nd  Raising Day of CRPF at  Kadarpur in Gurugram. (Pallav Paliwal)

Asked about the VIP security cover being provided to protectees in West Bengal, the DG said a total of 13 people enjoy the facility in the state.

Of the 13 protectees, five each enjoy ‘Z’ and ‘Y+’ category security, one ‘Y’ category and two ‘X’ category cover.

Also Read-CRPF Finds New Ways After Sukma Massacre

Read More-Rajnath Meets J&K Police, CRPF

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Follow security protocols: EC urges parties

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

The poll panel has asked all parties to follow the security protocols till the upcoming elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry…reports Asian Lite News

Considering the recent accident leading to injuries to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Election Commission on Sunday directed all political parties, candidates and star campaigners to follow all security protocols.

The poll panel has asked all parties to follow the security protocols till the upcoming elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, slated between March 27 and April 29, end. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

It suggested the leaders follow the rules in their own interest and to avoid any possible sensational impact on general law and order across states/UT in case of any untoward incident.

In its direction, the commission said that star campaigners, who have been provided cover by the security agencies, must adhere to the security protocols laid down to avoid any security breach which may expose them to risk.

Also read:Cong releases second list for WB

Also, all candidates including star campaigners must follow the safety instructions during the use of any vehicle including helicopters as prescribed under the relevant laws to avoid any accident, which may endanger the life and property of individual and public at large.

Giving utmost importance to the security of star campaigners and candidates, the Commission has directed that these instructions must be brought to the notice of all the parties and candidates including star campaigners for strict compliance.


The commission’s direction comes after reports that the star campaigners on some occasions are not adhering to the security protocols laid down by the security agencies and exposing themselves to security risk during the campaign.

Attention has also been drawn that the safety provisions as prescribed in the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 (applying seat belt etc.) are also not being followed in some cases, thereby violating the existing statutory provisions punishable under law.

The Commission has, time and again, emphasised on the safety and security of all candidates during the campaign.

Also read:Mamata to contest from Nandigram

Categories
India News West Bengal

Cong releases second list for WB

The Congressis contesting on 92 seats of the state’s 294 in alliance with the Left Front and the ISF, has so far announced 47 candidates…reports Asian Lite News

The Congress has released its second list of candidates for the multi-phase West Bengal polls, with 34 names.

The Congress, which is contesting on 92 seats of the state’s 294 in alliance with the Left Front and the ISF, has so far announced 47 candidates.

The Congress list contains candidates for seats that will go to polls from the third to the final phase and includes Mainul Haque from Farakka, Rabin Ray from Tufanganj, Kamlesh Chatterjee from Bharatpur, and Manoj Chakraborty from Baharampur.

The Assembly elections in West Bengal will be held in eight phases starting from March 27 and the results will be declared on May 2.

Adhere to security protocols

Considering the recent accident leading to injuries to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Election Commission has directed all political parties, candidates and star campaigners to follow all security protocols.

The poll panel has asked all parties to follow the security protocols till the upcoming elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, slated between March 27 and April 29, end. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.

It suggested the leaders follow the rules in their own interest and to avoid any possible sensational impact on general law and order across states/UT in case of any untoward incident.


In its direction, the commission said that star campaigners, who have been provided cover by the security agencies, must adhere to the security protocols laid down to avoid any security breach which may expose them to risk.

Also, all candidates including star campaigners must follow the safety instructions during the use of any vehicle including helicopters as prescribed under the relevant laws to avoid any accident, which may endanger the life and property of individual and public at large.

Also read:BJP’s star studded list includes E. Sreedharan

Giving utmost importance to the security of star campaigners and candidates, the Commission has directed that these instructions must be brought to the notice of all the parties and candidates including star campaigners for strict compliance.

The commission’s direction comes after reports that the star campaigners on some occasions are not adhering to the security protocols laid down by the security agencies and exposing themselves to security risk during the campaign.

Attention has also been drawn that the safety provisions as prescribed in the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 (applying seat belt etc.) are also not being followed in some cases, thereby violating the existing statutory provisions punishable under law.

The Commission has, time and again, emphasised on the safety and security of all candidates during the campaign.

Also read:Former CM Chandy in Congress’ Kerala list

Categories
India News West Bengal

Five from Trinamool joins saffron camp

Apart from Murmu, the other four Trinamool leaders were denied tickets to contest the elections….reports Asian Lite News

Barely a few weeks ahead of the high-voltage Assembly polls in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress leader Sarala Murmu, who had received a ticket for the upcoming elections last week, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday.

Besides Murmu, four-time Trinamool MLA from Satgachhia Sonali Guha, sitting Singur MLA Rabindranath Bhattacharya, five-time outgoing MLA from Shibpur Jatu Lahiri and former India footballer and one time MLA from Basirhat Dakshin, Dipendu Biswas, also joined the saffron camp.

Apart from Murmu, the other four Trinamool leaders were denied tickets to contest the elections.

The Trinamool leaders joined the BJP in the presence of the party’s state unit chief Dilip Ghosh and other leaders like Suvendu Adhikari and Mukul Roy on Monday afternoon.



Earlier, the ruling Trinamool Congress had hurriedly withdrew Murmu’s name from the candidates’ list, citing her ill health as the reason for making the change.

There were speculation that Murmu might leave the Trinamool and join the BJP. Murmu was a party candidate from Habibpur in Malda.

Also read:India Slams UK Lawmakers’ Farm Row Debate

In his first public rally after announcement of dates for the eight-phase Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had went full-throttle against the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government.

Countering Trinamool’s ‘Khela hobe’ campaign slogan, he said: “Trinamool ka khela khatam, vikas shuru… What game have you not played with people of Bengal? Extortion, corruption… you even played with the lives of people. Your game is up,” he said, mocking the Trinamool.

He said the next 25 years are very important for the development of Bengal as the development here in the next 5 years will lay the foundation for it.

Modi said that ‘Ashol Poriborton’ (real change) in Bengal means where trade and business would flourish, where maximum investment would come. “‘Ashol Poriborton’ means Bengal will have modern infrastructure of the 21st century,” he said, asking “Has change come in Bengal? Have you got what was promised?”

  • Bihar BJP workers .



Preparing a roadmap for the upcoming polls, he also urged people to vote BJP fearlessly and vote against bad governance. Modi said that he never saw such a huge turnout in any political rally ever in his life. He said that his visit was targeted to reassure the people of Bengal that the BJP would work towards a better tomorrow.

“Let me assure you that we will leave no stone unturned to develop Bengal. We want Bengal to be full of employment opportunities so that people do not have to go out. Real change means 21st century infrastructure, more investment, comprehensive growth and more economic power to poor people,” he pointed out.

Also read:India summons UK envoy over farm law debate in London