PM Modi Connects Murshidabad Unrest to Infiltration in Malda Speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly addressed the recurring violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district during a political rally in neighboring Malda on Saturday. He pointed to demographic imbalance and illegal infiltration as the root causes behind the disturbances.
Violence Continues in Beldanga Amid Protests
Beldanga in Murshidabad witnessed continued vandalism for a second consecutive day. Protesters blocked highways and railway tracks. They demonstrated against ongoing violence targeting Bengalis in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar.
"Infiltration is impacting local culture and language," Modi stated at the rally, held roughly 150 kilometers from the epicenter of the violence. "Riots in districts like Murshidabad and Malda are rising because of this. You must break the nexus between infiltrators and those in office."
The Prime Minister emphasized that the "demographic balance" was being "disturbed at a few places." He argued that while every developed nation is driving out infiltrators, this remains essential for states like Bengal. "But that's not possible as long as TMC is in office," he declared, blaming the mess on what he called "TMC's syndicates."
Modi Criticizes Attacks on Media, Addresses Community Concerns
Modi also condemned attacks on media personnel in Beldanga, attributing them to "TMC's goons." He highlighted an incident involving a woman journalist. "They have behaved indecently with a woman journalist. No one takes cognizance of women's plight in Bengal," he said.
The Prime Minister then shifted to address pre-poll concerns within the BJP's support base. He sought to reassure the Matua and Namasudra communities. Modi stated the Constitution guarantees their right to reside in India and that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) provides them with full security.
This assurance comes amid internal dissent within BJP ranks in the Matua-dominated belts of North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts. Party MPs and MLAs have sometimes expressed conflicting views. The community itself has staged street protests over alleged "victimisation" in matters related to the State Investigation Report (SIR).
Trinamool Congress seniors, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have visited these areas to address community concerns. The issue gained further attention this week following the death of a community member, with his family blaming "SIR worries" for the tragedy.
Scathing Attack on TMC Governance and Corruption
Modi launched a fierce attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, portraying it as a party of "the cruel and corrupt." He accused TMC leaders of being "Bengal's enemies" who are "busy filling up their pockets." The Prime Minister predicted that TMC's days in power were numbered.
He alluded to corruption allegations during flood relief operations, slamming TMC for "looting even during a crisis." Modi also blamed the state government for a lack of investment in industry and agriculture, alleging this failure fuels outward migration. He claimed West Bengal is the only state where people are denied the benefits of the central Ayushman Bharat health scheme.
Cultural Reference and Infrastructure Inauguration
Modi invoked the ideals of revered Bengali literary figure Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, stating "Bengal will reach new heights by his ideals." This reference follows his recent "Bankim-da" address in Parliament, which prompted Trinamool Congress to allege that Modi and the BJP are "culturally alien" to Bengal.
Following the rally, the Prime Minister inaugurated rail and road infrastructure projects valued at Rs 3,250 crore. He flagged off a new Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Howrah and Kamakhya, along with four Amrit Bharat Express trains.
