TMC blaming women to save its goons: PM Narendra Modi

KOLKATA/PURULIA/KHARAGPUR: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday responded to the Sandeshkhali videos - for the first time since the first of the series surfaced a fortnight ago.

"Trinamool is trying to put the blame on Sandeshkhali women to save Sheikh Shahjahan and his men," the PM said during a campaign speech in Purulia, referring to the video that showed BJP Sandeshkhali Block-II chief Gangadhar Koyal purportedly admitting that "the entire Sandeshkhali movement was (state assembly opposition leader) Suvendu Adhikari's brainchild" and that the "women (complainants) did whatever they were told to do".

"In a bid to save Shahjahan, TMC's men are now trying to point fingers at the women of Sandeshkhali and blame them," Modi said. "They are even raising questions about their character. The language being used by them is unacceptable. Mothers and sisters of Sandeshkhali will give them a fitting reply in the polls."

The PM also attacked Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for her Saturday's reference to "a few monks, not everyone", where she accused them of working against TMC and for BJP. "Not all monks are the same. There is a maharaj in Behrampore I have been hearing about him for a long time... Kartik Maharaj. The person who says he will not allow any TMC agent in the polling booth," Banerjee had said in a rally in Hooghly.

Action against the corrupt will intensify after June 4: PM
PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said CM Mamata Banerjee's statement "has infuriated people across India." "TMC has been insulting Hindu society and its faith continuously. Saints had pleaded with her to refrain from such politics. That angered the CM and she crossed every limit while insulting the saints," Modi said on Sunday at a rally in Kharagpur, accusing Banerjee of trying to appease "Muslim hardliners".

Accusing Trinamool of "playing a dangerous game" and trying to change the state's demographics, Modi said "infiltrators have changed demographic patterns" in parts of Bengal, and that "Hindus have become a minority" there. "I will not allow them to do that. Time has come to give them a befitting reply," the PM said.

On Sunday, Modi promised "more stringent action" against the corrupt after June 4. "In 2019, I promised you to put every corrupt person behind bars. In 2024, I assure you that none of them can come out of jail. Action aro tibra hobe (action against them will be more intense) after June 4. They forced you to sell your homes, Modi will make them sell their bungalows and cars," he said, alleging that TMC men were even asking for Rs 2,000 for each tap water connection under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Purulia.

Modi, who addressed two rallies in Jangalmahal area on Sunday, alleged "sub-human treatment" of tribals and Dalits in Bengal. "They don't care about you as you are not their vote bank. They don't even treat you as human beings. Modi worships those who have been neglected by them for ages," he said, addressing a rally in Bishnupur.

Modi also referred to Centre providing documents to 300 persons under Citizenship Amendment Act. "It will happen in Bengal, too. People have their faith in Modi's guarantee because we worked hard. TMC, Congress and Left cannot do anything as long as Modi is alive," he said.