Kolkata, April 24 (H.S.): Ahead of the second phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over law and order, women’s safety, and governance while addressing a massive public rally in Dum Dum.

The rally drew political attention as the mother of the RG Kar case victim, now BJP candidate from Panihati, Ratna Debnath, was present on the stage. Referring to the case, the Prime Minister said it reflected serious concerns over women’s safety and justice delivery in the state.

In his address, Modi asserted that once the BJP forms the government, all pending cases related to crimes against women would be reopened and justice would be ensured. He said he had come to assure every daughter of Bengal that their dreams would not be allowed to be shattered.

Recalling an incident during his arrival, he said a woman tied him a rakhi, which he described as a symbol of trust and responsibility, adding that ensuring women’s safety would remain a top priority.

The Prime Minister said that old cases of atrocities against women would be reinvestigated and the guilty would face strict punishment. He alleged that women seeking justice in the state are often silenced instead of being protected.

Targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Modi said that the law and order situation in West Bengal has deteriorated. Referring to the RG Kar incident, he said a mother who worked hard to make her daughter a doctor ultimately lost her under the present regime, calling it deeply painful.

Invoking Subhas Chandra Bose, he said the time had come to give Bengal a new direction, adding that such change is possible through the power of a single vote and will be decided by the people.

Mentioning his visit to key spiritual sites, the Prime Minister said it was a privilege to visit Belur Math. He also spoke about offering prayers on the banks of the Ganga and paying obeisance at Dakshineswar Kali Temple, expressing respect for the mothers and sisters of the state.

He also referred to incidents in Sandeshkhali, stating that such cases highlighted broader governance concerns and the need for accountability.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said that change is necessary to restore Bengal’s pride, create opportunities, and ensure a safe environment for women. He added that under a BJP government, swift investigation and strict action in crimes against women would be ensured, and urged voters to participate in large numbers in the upcoming phases of polling.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar