Modi tempers attack on Mamata as he winds up Bengal campaign, says state needs peace for development

PTI, Apr 23, 2021, 7:08 PM IST

Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused West Bengal”s TMC government of patronizing illegal immigration from Bangladesh and extortion syndicates but uncharacteristically avoided personally targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee.

Addressing a virtual rally at Shaheed Minar ground from New Delhi, he said West Bengal needed peace for development.

“Illegal immigration, syndicates, and extortion are big hurdles in the path of West Bengal”s development,” he said without naming Banerjee, whom the BJP has often accused of patronizing such activities.

The prime minister’s virtual meeting came a day after the Election Commission banned roadshows, motorcycle rallies and padayatra for the remaining two phases of the state assembly election campaign and capped attendance at public rallies to just 500.

Modi, who was to address four rallies on Friday, canceled his visit to the state and chose to address just one public meeting online at the Shaheed Minar ground.

Modi did not breathe fire against Mamata Banerjee during his speech where he underscored the importance of “dignity of labor, ease of living and ease of doing business”, all of which, he claimed, were missing in West Bengal.

“Bengal yearns for peace, security, and development,” he said.

Exuding confidence about the BJP coming to power in the state, the prime minister said the new government will use technology to transform Kolkata, the city of joy, into the city of the future.

Referring to alleged crimes against women, Modi said the BJP government will set up fast-track courts across Bengal for providing speedy justice to women.