Mamata betrayed Bengal's women by conspiring with parties like Cong: BJP chief
Balurghat (WB) (PTI): BJP president Nitin Nabin on Sunday blamed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition parties such as the Congress for the setback to the implementation of women's reservation in legislatures.
Addressing a rally in support of BJP candidate Bidyut Roy in Balurghat, Nabin said removing the TMC from power had become essential to drive out infiltrators from Bengal, prevent demographic change and safeguard national security.
"Despite being a woman, Mamata Banerjee betrayed the women of Bengal by conspiring with parties like the Congress so that the women's reservation bill could not be passed in the Lok Sabha," he alleged.
Urging women voters in the state to "teach her a lesson", he claimed that the TMC government had failed to ensure the safety and security of women, citing incidents such as those at RG Kar hospital and the medical college in Durgapur.
A Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated on Friday.
Nabin also accused the chief minister of protecting infiltrators and said the BJP, if voted to power, would ensure good governance.
"Infiltrators will be driven out, and every bona fide citizen will be able to live peacefully in a secure environment if the BJP comes to power," he said.
Nabin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had delivered on promises and prioritised national security, citing the abrogation of Article 370 and surgical strikes against Pakistan-backed terrorists.
"We need a government in Bengal which will ensure the state's well-being and security in every aspect," he said.
Appealing to voters to back the BJP, Nabin said, "If not now, then never."
"Let it be a historic victory. A new dawn will come, and after May 4, a government that will look after the aspirations of mothers, sisters, youth, the elderly and farmers will be installed in Bengal," he said.
At another election rally at Ratua in Malda district, Nabin claimed that time has come for the chief minister to “bid goodbye”.
Alleging deterioration in law and order, he said women were unsafe “from Park Street to Kamduni, and from R G Kar to Durgapur Medical College”, while there were many “unreported cases”.
He also alleged the involvement of ruling party leaders in various illegal activities.
“Wait for a few days. Members of the ‘bhaipo (nephew) syndicate’ of the TMC will be on the run, and caught one by one with legal action taken against them,” Nabin asserted.
He was referring to allegations by state BJP leaders about extortion syndicates “patronised by top TMC leaders” running into crores of rupees.
“At least one minister had been jailed, while many officials are behind the bars. Those involved in corruption would face strict action after May 4,” the BJP chief said.
Promising employment and welfare measures, Nabin said a BJP government would create job opportunities for the youth and ensure support for farmers.
He also assured the people of transparent recruitment based on merit, implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, and direct transfer of benefits to bank accounts without “cut money” (commission).
Referring to the ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ slogan of the Narendra Modi government, Nabin said “there will be inclusive growth involving all sections of society under the double engine government.”
“There will be no appeasement for one particular community, which caused change in the demography in several border districts of Bengal,” he said.
Nabin also took part in a programme of the ‘Balmiki Samaj’ – an outfit of backward Hindu castes – where he stressed on the need for inclusive growth.
Earlier, the BJP president led a colourful roadshow covering around 2 km in Balurghat town and adjoining areas of Dakshin Dinajpur district.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
