PM Modi attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'cut money', insulting Bengali pride

'People of Bengal have made up their mind to usher in 'asol poribartan'. BJP will give WB a govt that will ensure development of all but appeasement of none,' PM said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee government accusing it of obstructing development in West Bengal by creating a culture of "cut money" ( bribe to access government services) and syndicates.

Speaking at a BJP rally in Hooghly district, the Prime Minister said that the current situation in Bengal can only be changed by bringing “ashol poribortan” (real change) in the state.

“There is no lack of interest in investment in West Bengal. But the problem is the atmosphere created by the state government here. The culture of cut money and syndicate is creating hurdles in the path of development . We have to change this situation by bringing in ‘ashol porobartan’ and ensure that lotus blooms here,” said Modi.

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He said that it would not be possible to usher in development in Bengal as long as “syndicate raj” and extortionists rule the state. The Prime Minister also said that development in the state will not take place till “cut money culture” persists and the administration continues to "provide shelter" to criminals.

“Development in West Bengal is not possible till a government comes to power in Bengal which listens to the common people. People want real change,” said Modi.

Lashing out at the TMC, the Prime Minister alleged that “grave injustice” has been committed to the “pride of Bengal” by those who resort to “politics that favors vote bank over patriotism” and “appeasement over development.”

He said that the people of Bengal would “never forgive” those who resorted to such politics.

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The Prime Minister said that once the BJP comes to power in Bengal, people would be able to “celebrate their culture without any fear” and would work to create a “Shonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal).

He alleged that those who ruled West Bengal for decades have “dragged it down” and accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of blocking development in the state.

“Those who speak of Maa, Mati, Manush (Mother, Soil and the People) are standing like a wall in the path of Bengal’s development.. The people of Bengal have decided to bring change” said Modi. He also slammed the TMC Government for not implementing Central projects in Bengal.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the extension of Kolkata Metro from Noapara to Dakhineswar.