Central agencies targeting opposition will be after BJP post-2024 polls: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata (PTI): The central agencies that are at present targeting opposition leaders will be after the BJP following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed on Thursday, asserting that the government at the Centre will last for three more months.
Addressing TMC workers at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here, she said that after the arrest of her party's leaders in different cases, the expulsion of MP Mahua Moitra was being planned but it would eventually help her before the elections.
"Central agencies targetting opposition leaders at present will go after the BJP following the 2024 elections," she told party workers.
"This government at the Centre is there for three more months," she said.
Banerjee also claimed that the BJP-led government wants to do away with reservations and maintained that she will oppose it.
"BJP is also against the reservation for minorities, but we will bring them under the system through OBC quota," she added.
Banerjee also alleged that attempts of "saffronising" the country were underway in full swing -- from metro railway stations to the cricket team.
"Saffron is the colour of 'tyagis', but you are 'bhogis'," she said, targetting the BJP, claiming that players resisted, as a result, the Indian cricket team did not have to wear the saffron practice jersey during matches.
The TMC chief also claimed that India would have won if the World Cup final happened in Kolkata or Mumbai, instead of Ahmedabad.
"They won all the matches in the World Cup except the one attended by the sinners," she said.
Banerjee also attacked the Centre over the state of the country's economy.
"The banking sector is in the doldrums and PSUs are being sold," she said, noting that the unemployment rate was also very high.
She took on the BJP over the allegations of cow smuggling to Bangladesh through West Bengal.
"Cows for smuggling to Bangladesh are brought from different states, including UP. Who takes the cut there," she asked.
The chief minister said that West Bengal was fast evolving as a destination for investment.
"All big IT companies are investing in Kolkata's 'Silicon Valley' project," she said.
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People are voting fearlessly in West Bengal this time: PM Modi
Hardoi (UP) (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said voters
are casting their vote in West Bengal this time in a "fearless atmosphere", which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades.
He also asserted that the assembly poll results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India.
Voting is underway in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling.
Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway here, Modi said today marks an important day in the festival of democracy.
"Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right," he said.
"What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented which was difficult to imagine in the past six to seven decades, a fearless environment where people are voting without fear," he said.
The prime minister said this is a powerful symbol of the country's Constitution and the strengthening of democracy.
"I express my gratitude to the great people of Bengal for being so aware of their rights and participating in large numbers," he said.
With several hours of voting still left, the prime minister urged the people of Bengal to continue participating in this democratic festival with the same enthusiasm.
Modi said in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP and NDA achieved a historic and decisive victory.
"Just yesterday, results of local body elections in Gujarat showed that the BJP secured victories in nearly 80 to 85 percent of municipalities and panchayats.
"The results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India and will infuse new energy into the pace of development of the country."
The first phase of polling for 152 seats -- out of the 294-member West Bengal assembly -- was held on April 23.
The counting of votes for assembly polls in Kerala, West Bengal, Puducherry, Assam and Tamil Nadu will take place on May 4.
