Kolkata, 21 April (H.S.): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress during three election rallies in West Bengal, focusing on issues such as women’s safety, free bus travel, infiltration and law and order ahead of the Assembly polls.

Addressing a rally in Kulti, Paschim Bardhaman district, Shah announced that if the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in the state, women would be allowed free travel on government buses from June 1. He said the promise had already been included in the party’s manifesto and would be implemented after forming the government.

Raising the issue of women’s safety, Shah alleged that mothers and sisters were not safe in the state. Referring to the Sandeshkhali and RG Kar Hospital incidents, he said that under a BJP government, women would be able to move freely even at midnight without fear.

At the Kulti rally, he also issued a warning that if there were attempts at violence or hooliganism on polling day, the BJP would respond strongly. He accused the state government of sheltering criminals.

On the issue of infiltration, Shah said that after May 5, if the BJP formed the government, illegal infiltrators would be identified and removed from Bengal. Repeating the statement later at a rally in Shalbani, Paschim Medinipur, he said infiltrators would be driven out not only from Bengal but from the entire country one by one.

In Shalbani, Shah accused the Trinamool government of looting money meant for the poor. He said those who had taken public funds would be made to account for every rupee.

He again warned criminals, saying such elements would be dealt with firmly.

Earlier in the day, Shah addressed his first rally in Kurseong, Darjeeling district, followed by meetings in Kulti and Shalbani. The BJP has intensified its campaign in the final phase of electioneering by deploying its top leaders across the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh