Kolkata, 21 April (HS): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party would win the West Bengal Assembly elections and launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying she had already lost her political ground and public support.

Speaking to reporters in Baranagar on the final day of campaigning before the first phase of polling, Pradhan said Mamata Banerjee had done no meaningful work for the people and had instead misled and deceived them. He said voters had now distanced themselves from her leadership.

He further alleged that the Chief Minister was rattled by the fear of defeat and was repeatedly insulting constitutional institutions.

Responding to Trinamool Congress allegations that the BJP was an “outsider” party, Pradhan said all candidates contesting there belonged to Bengal, Kolkata and Baranagar itself.

Referring to the Malda incident, he said Mamata Banerjee herself had approached the Supreme Court. According to him, the court had sent judges to address concerns, but Trinamool Congress workers allegedly surrounded them and acted improperly.

Pradhan also said the law and order situation in West Bengal was poor and that a change of government was necessary to restore order.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also campaigned in the state on the final day of electioneering. Addressing a rally in Darjeeling, he said that if the BJP came to power, a permanent political solution for the hill areas of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong would be delivered by next month.

Shah said the BJP understood the sentiments and problems of the Gorkha community and was therefore best placed to resolve their issues.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh