Kolkata/Asansol, 16 April (H.S.) : With campaigning intensifying ahead of the first phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, alleging widespread lawlessness and corruption in the state.

Addressing a large rally in Barabani Assembly constituency in Asansol in support of Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Arijit Roy, Adityanath claimed that West Bengal is currently grappling with fear, unrest, riots, and “mafia rule.”

He alleged that development funds are being siphoned off through corruption and “cut money,” and that over the past 15 years, the state has become a hub of terror, organised crime, and भ्रष्टाचार, creating an atmosphere of insecurity, particularly for youth and women.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister further accused the TMC government of allowing sand, coal, and land mafias to flourish, claiming they have taken control of the state’s resources. He also alleged that funds allocated by the Centre for development fail to reach the intended beneficiaries.

Urging voters to support BJP candidate Arijit Roy, Adityanath said his victory would mark the beginning of change in the state. He added that the formation of a “double-engine government” would ensure faster resolution of issues and strengthen law and order.

Drawing a comparison with Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath said that nearly nine years ago, his state faced similar challenges, with frequent riots, high crime rates, and strong mafia networks. However, he claimed that after the BJP came to power, law and order improved significantly, with strict action taken against criminals.

He asserted that Uttar Pradesh now witnesses peaceful festivals without riots or curfews, and that strong measures, including demolition drives against mafia properties, have been undertaken to benefit the गरीब.

Referring to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making it possible, alleging that parties like the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and TMC had failed to stop the project.

He also highlighted West Bengal’s rich cultural legacy, mentioning figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Khudiram Bose, and Syama Prasad Mukherjee, while expressing concern over what he described as the state’s declining condition.

Concluding his address, Adityanath appealed to voters to cast their ballots without fear or pressure and support the BJP to bring back development, security, and prosperity to West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh