PM Modi Announces Six Guarantees for West Bengal, Targets TMC Government
NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive set of "six guarantees" for West Bengal during a public rally in Haldia, asserting that a BJP government would implement stringent measures against illegal infiltration, enforce the 7th Pay Commission, and ensure strict legal action against all individuals associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
'Change is Going to Happen Across Bengal'
Addressing a large crowd, PM Modi expressed unwavering confidence in an imminent political transformation in the state. "Bengal has decisively resolved to overcome every adverse situation this time. A profound change is going to sweep across the entire region of Bengal," he declared. He launched a sharp critique of the TMC, stating, "The exit of this ruthless government is absolutely certain. The TMC is systematically dragging Bengal down through entrenched corruption and criminal protection."
He further alleged that illegal activities, including cattle smuggling, have flourished under the current administration, undermining law and order.
The Six Guarantees Outlined by PM Modi
Detailing his guarantees, PM Modi emphasized that a BJP government would restore trust and accountability in West Bengal:
- Replacement of Fear with Trust: The prevailing atmosphere of fear will be replaced by trust, with a firm restoration of faith in the rule of law.
- Full Administrative Accountability: The administrative machinery will be made fully accountable and answerable to the public it serves.
- Reopening of All Corruption Files: All files pertaining to scams, corruption, injustices against daughters, and rape cases will be thoroughly reopened for investigation.
- Legal Action Against TMC Figures: "Whoever has engaged in corruption under the TMC regime belongs in jail. Be it a minister or a watchman, the law will hold everyone to account. No TMC goon will be able to evade the law any longer," PM Modi asserted.
- Rights for Refugees, Expulsion of Infiltrators: Refugees will be granted all constitutional rights and privileges, while illegal infiltrators will be decisively driven out and not permitted to remain in India.
- Immediate Implementation of 7th Pay Commission: The 7th Pay Commission will be implemented immediately upon the formation of a BJP government in the state.
'Double-Engine Government' Essential for Bengal
PM Modi stressed that West Bengal's best interests lie in cooperative governance between the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, making a "double-engine government" crucial. "Bengal's progress does not benefit from animosity towards the Prime Minister; rather, the people gain immensely when both leaders work together. That is precisely why a double-engine government is absolutely essential for Bengal. It will empower the state to become self-reliant in sectors like fisheries and seafood," he explained.
Boost for Fisheries Sector and Central Schemes
The Prime Minister highlighted the Central government's initiatives to bolster the fisheries sector nationwide, including the creation of a separate Ministry of Fisheries—a first since independence. "After decades, our government established a distinct Ministry of Fisheries to address the needs of fishermen, their families, and the Blue Economy," PM Modi noted.
He added that the BJP has allocated a record budget for fishermen's welfare, provided access to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility, and offered insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh, benefits already availed by lakhs of individuals. However, he criticized the TMC for resisting central schemes due to political considerations. "This increase in fish production has been significantly supported by the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. Yet, TMC leaders oppose it merely because it carries the 'PM' tag," he said.
"TMC leaders may harbor hatred towards me, but in that hatred, they haven't even spared the word 'PM'," PM Modi added, underscoring the partisan obstacles faced by development programs.
Upcoming Elections and Political Significance
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4. The rally is viewed as a pivotal moment for the BJP's efforts to maintain and expand its political influence in the region, which has emerged as a central battleground in its contest with the TMC. The guarantees and promises made by PM Modi are aimed at swaying voter sentiment ahead of these critical elections.
