Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal’s ruling party while campaigning ahead of the second phase of assembly elections, targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her political stronghold.
Addressing a rally, Modi invoked the Trinamool Congress’s slogan “Ma Mati Manush” to criticise the government’s record. “‘Ma’ is crying, ‘maati’ is with infiltrators, and ‘maanush’ is scared,” he said, alleging that the All India Trinamool Congress had failed to protect women and ensure law and order during its 15-year tenure.
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The Prime Minister cited several high-profile crimes, including the rape and murder case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and the Kamduni gangrape and murder, among others. He claimed that such incidents reflected a pattern of insecurity and accused ruling party leaders of shielding perpetrators in multiple cases.
Modi also attempted to breach Banerjee’s strong support base among women voters, despite the state government’s welfare schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar, Kanyashree, Rupashree, and Muktir Alo Yojana. These initiatives have significantly contributed to women’s education, financial independence, and social mobility in the state.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has increasingly focused on women-centric issues since the Sandeshkhali controversy brought allegations of exploitation into national focus ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Claiming growing public anger, Modi said women across Bengal had begun opposing the government, pointing to the high turnout in the first phase of polling as an indicator. Voter participation crossed 91 per cent, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool claiming it reflected support for their respective campaigns.
The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, with counting set for May 4.
