Central agencies attacked in Bengal as TMC wants to protect corrupt leaders: PM Modi
JALPAIGURI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged on Sunday that the TMC desires a free licence for corruption and violence in West Bengal, which is why central agencies investigating such cases face attacks in the state.
While addressing a mega rally in Jalpaiguri, Modi also claimed that "TMC's syndicate Raj" prevails in West Bengal and that the party is only interested in protecting its corrupt leaders.
"The TMC government seeks to have a free pass for looting and terror in Bengal. To shield its extortionist and corrupt leaders, the TMC orchestrates attacks on central investigative agencies when they come here," he said.
Modi's comments come a day after an NIA team was allegedly attacked by a mob on Saturday when attempting to arrest two main suspects in a 2022 blast case in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district. "The TMC is disregarding the law and the constitution of the country," he said.
The attack on NIA on Saturday evoked memories of January 5, when a team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was attacked by a mob in North 24 Parganas district's Sandeshkhali during a search at the house of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh, who was later suspended, in connection with alleged irregularities in the public distribution system.
Modi mentioned that the situation in the state is such that "the court has to intervene" in various matters.
The prime minister accused the TMC government of impeding the implementation of the Centre's welfare schemes for the poor in the state.
"The TMC is not allowing the central funds to reach the poor people of the state. They want the central funds in their own account first. The syndicate Raj of TMC is going on across West Bengal. The TMC government is putting brakes on central schemes for the welfare of the poor," he said.
Claiming that the Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs 3,000 crore from corrupt leaders of the TMC in various corruption cases in Bengal, Modi said suggestions are being taken on ways to return the money to those who have given it.
"I guarantee you that the money looted by corrupt leaders will be given back to the poor people who had to give money to get jobs," he said.
Modi alleged that the opposition alliance is busy indulging in politics of lies and deceit.
"I am saying remove corruption; the opposition is saying 'save the corrupt.' I will ensure the corrupt are punished, and the poor get justice. After June 4 (when Lok Sabha poll results will be announced), more stringent action will be taken against the corrupt," he said.
The prime minister said, "The TMC, Left, and the Congress have formed INDI Alliance to protect the corrupt."
Referring to recent incidents in Sandeshkhali, where allegations of sexual abuse against TMC leaders emerged, Modi assured people that the culprits of Sandeshkhali will spend the rest of their lives in jail.
"The entire country has witnessed what happened in Sandeshkhali. Don't you think Sandeshkhali culprits should get strong punishment?" he remarked.
PM Modi during a rally at Cooch Behar, on April 4, had said that the culprits of Sandeshkhali will have to spend the rest of their lives in jail.
Urging people to elect a strong and stable government, Modi said, "The stronger the central government, the stronger the trust of the world in Bharat."
"I work 24x7 for 2047. The past 10 years of the NDA government have been dedicated to easing the lives of marginalised communities. You supported me, and I decided to transform the landscape of India. What you have seen in the last 10 years is just a trailer," he said.
The prime minister also came down heavily on AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, without mentioning him by name, who recently objected to raising the issue of the abrogation of Article 370 by BJP leaders during poll campaigns in other states.
"The Congress president thinks Article 370 has nothing to do with other states. Is Jammu and Kashmir not an integral part of the country? This reflects their divisive mindset. It was Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a Bengali, who fought against Article 370 and gave his life for the cause," said Modi.