Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sharpened the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, issuing what he described as a final warning to alleged “TMC goons” and asking them to surrender or face strict legal action if the BJP comes to power in the state.
Addressing an election rally in Bishnupur in Bengal, Modi said those involved in violence, intimidation and political attacks would not be spared. He urged voters not to fear and said the law would protect them on polling day despite alleged attempts at coercion by ruling party workers.
“I am giving one last chance to all TMC goons, syndicates, and corrupt elements. Surrender at your nearest police station before April 29. No one will be spared after May 4. The mafia of Bishnupur and TMC’s syndicate, listen carefully, this will no longer be tolerated,” he said, as quoted by India Today.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come as campaigning intensifies in the state, where the BJP is seeking to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and challenge the TMC’s long dominance. Modi accused the ruling party of creating an atmosphere of fear and violence, while promising a tougher law-and-order regime under a BJP government.
He also attacked the TMC on issues of governance and corruption, saying West Bengal deserved change and better administration. In recent campaign speeches, Modi has repeatedly targeted the Mamata Banerjee-led government over what he called misrule and political violence.
The BJP has made law and order, corruption and alleged political intimidation central themes of its Bengal campaign, while the TMC has dismissed the attacks and projected itself as the party defending Bengali pride and welfare schemes.
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