Kolkata, 22 April (H.S.) : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress government during a series of campaign rallies in Kolkata for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, raising issues such as law and order, unemployment, industry, cultural identity and cow protection.

Addressing gatherings in Jorasanko and Burrabazar, Adityanath said the enthusiasm of the people indicated that voters had made up their minds to bring change in order to protect Bengal’s culture and heritage. He described Bengal as a land that had historically inspired India’s freedom movement and continued to motivate public consciousness.

He claimed that unemployment had increased in West Bengal in recent years, several industries had shut down and farmers were facing hardships. According to him, employment opportunities for the youth had declined and people were now seeking better governance.

Citing Uttar Pradesh as an example, the Chief Minister said that law and order had significantly improved since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power there, with strict action taken against illegal activities, criminals and mafia networks. He claimed that peace and order had been restored in the state.

Adityanath said it was essential to preserve cultural identity and faith. Referring to Bengal’s traditions, he mentioned Goddess Kali and local customs, saying the state’s heritage must be protected.

During the rally, he alleged that cow slaughter was taking place openly in Bengal, unlike Uttar Pradesh where, he said, it was not allowed. “We will neither allow Gau Mata to be slaughtered, nor Hindus to be divided,” he said.

Targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s popular slogan, he said, “She says Khela Hobe, but I have come to say Ebar Khela Shesh.” He added that while Uttar Pradesh now witnessed an atmosphere of celebration rather than unrest, Bengal needed a double-engine government for similar progress.

At a rally in Satyanarayan Park, Burrabazar, organised in support of BJP candidates from North Kolkata constituencies, Adityanath claimed that the BJP was winning 80 per cent of the seats in the first phase of polling.

He further said that saffron flags would fly across Bengal and darkness in the state would end. Urging people to vote for change, he said democratic participation and public unity were the keys to bringing real transformation and securing a better future for West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh