Kolkata, 02 April (H.S.): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress during the ongoing Assembly election campaign, claiming that the people of the state are ready for political change and are prepared to bring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari’s nomination filing from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, Shah said he had toured almost the entire state ahead of the elections and sensed a strong desire among the people for a change of government.

He alleged that people in West Bengal are troubled by issues such as extortion, corruption, women’s insecurity, unemployment and illegal infiltration. He said that if the BJP forms the government, the borders would be strengthened and illegal infiltrators would be identified and deported.

Shah also said that the states which have elected BJP governments under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have witnessed significant development and added that it is now West Bengal’s turn.

Making a special appeal to the voters of Bhabanipur, Shah said that while political change usually comes after winning several seats, this time even a victory in Bhabanipur could change the political direction of the entire state. He also claimed that Mamata Banerjee had lost to Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram in the previous election and would face defeat again in Bhabanipur.

He urged voters to cast their votes without fear and asserted that no one would be able to prevent people from exercising their democratic rights. He also referred to alleged attacks on BJP workers and said those responsible would be brought to justice.

During his speech, Shah invoked the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Syama Prasad Mookerjee, reiterating the BJP’s commitment to building a “Sonar Bangla”.

Concluding his address, Shah extended his best wishes to all BJP candidates and appealed to the electorate to support them with a decisive mandate.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh