PM Modi Addresses Murshidabad Unrest at Malda Political Rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly addressed the ongoing violence in Murshidabad district during a major political rally in neighboring Malda on Saturday. Speaking at Sahapur in Malda, approximately 150 kilometers from the epicenter of the disturbances in Beldanga, Modi pinpointed demographic shifts and illegal infiltration as the fundamental causes behind the recurring riots.
Linking Violence to Infiltration and Demographic Change
"Demographic balance is being disturbed at a few places," Modi stated clearly to the gathered crowd. He asserted that infiltration impacts local culture and language directly. The Prime Minister claimed this disturbance leads directly to increased riots in districts like Murshidabad and Malda.
"You have to break the nexus of infiltrators and those in office," Modi urged the public. He promised concrete action against infiltration if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gains power in West Bengal. Modi argued that every developed nation now drives out infiltrators, calling it essential for states like Bengal.
He placed the blame squarely on the ruling Trinamool Congress, stating such action remains impossible as long as they hold office. Modi specifically blamed "the Trinamool's syndicates" for the current mess.
Condemning Attacks on Media and Addressing Matua Concerns
The Prime Minister also condemned recent attacks on media personnel in Beldanga, directly accusing "Trinamool’s goons" of the assaults. He highlighted an incident involving a woman journalist, alleging very indecent behavior. "No one takes cognisance of women’s plight in Bengal. People have to move courts for everything," Modi claimed.
Shifting to key voter demographics, Modi sought to reassure the Matua and Namasudra communities. He emphasized that the Indian Constitution guarantees their right to reside in India. "The Citizenship Amendment Act has given them full security," he affirmed. This address comes amid reported internal dissent within the BJP in Matua belts like North 24 Parganas and Nadia, with community protests over perceived victimization in the SIR process.
Sharp Criticism of Trinamool Congress
Modi portrayed the Trinamool Congress as a party of "the cruel and the corrupt." He labeled them Bengal’s enemies, accusing them of filling their own pockets. "It is essential to oust such a cruel government," he declared, predicting the Trinamool's days are numbered and their "torture" will end soon.
The Prime Minister also referenced corruption allegations against Trinamool during flood relief operations, slamming them for "looting even during a crisis." He further blamed the party for lack of industrial investment and farmer benefits, alleging this fuels workforce migration from Bengal to other states. Modi highlighted that Bengal remains the only state not allowing people benefits of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme.
Infrastructure Inaugurations and Cultural Reference
Following his speech, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple rail and road infrastructure projects valued at Rs 3,250 crore. He flagged off a Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Howrah in West Bengal to Kamakhya in Assam. Additionally, he launched four new Amrit Bharat Express trains on routes including Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil and Alipurduar-Mumbai.
Concluding his address, Modi invoked Bengali literary icon Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, stating "Bengal will reach new heights by the ideals of ‘Rishitulya’ Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay." This reference follows his recent "Bankim-da" address in Parliament, which previously drew criticism from Trinamool alleging the BJP is culturally alien to Bengal.
The situation in Beldanga, Murshidabad, continued to be tense with reports of widespread vandalism and violence for a second consecutive day. Protesters blocked highways and railway tracks, demonstrating against ongoing violence targeting Bengalis working in Jharkhand and Bihar. Meanwhile, Trinamool seniors, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have been actively visiting Matua areas to address community concerns, countering the BJP's outreach efforts.
