Dream of 'Sonar Bangla' will be realised: Highlights of PM Modi's speech in Kolkata

PM Modi slammed the ruling TM, Opposition parties trying to wrest power in the state and promised change if BJP wins the upcoming elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive rally at Brigade Ground in Kolkata, adding fuel to the fiery political battle in poll-bound West Bengal. Earlier today, actor Mithun Chakraborty joined the BJP and greeted PM Modi on the dais.

PM Modi slammed the ruling TMC and other Opposition parties trying to wrest power in the state and promised change or 'Asol Poriborton' if BJP wins the upcoming elections.

Here are key points and promises from PM Modi's speech in Kolkata:

1. While speaking at Brigade Parade Ground, PM Modi lauded the people of Bengal who hoped for change, despite attempts to disrupt the state's progress by those in power. "Bengal wants 'shanti', 'sonar Bangla', 'pragatisheel Bangla'," PM Modi said.

2. The BJP will protect Bengal's culture and bring about a much-needed change in the state, the PM said. "The development here in the next five years will lay the foundation of the state's development for the next 25 years," he said.

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3. The PM assured the massive crowd at the rally that he is in Bengal to make the people believe in BJP's aim of 'Asol Poriborton' in Bengal's situation. "I have come here to make you believe in Bengal's development, to increase in Bengal's industries and the reconstruction of the state," he said.

4. Prime Minister Modi also said that the BJP will work for the farmers of the state, the businessmen, the sisters, and daughters of Bengal.

5. He also slammed the Left, Congress and the ruling Trinamool Congress, saying that their attitude is 'Anti-Bengal'. He assured that development of and investment in Bengal will be increased if the BJP comes to power.

6. The PM assured the people of Bengal that if BJP is elected to power, it will strengthen the democratic system that the TMC has destroyed in the state. "We will re-establish people's belief in government systems, in the police and the administration," PM Modi said.

7. PM Modi attacked TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on unavailability of clean water for women in the state. "After 75 years of independence and after a woman is leading the state, more than 1.5 crore taps have no water. Children are being harmed by drinking water polluted with arsenic. This is why the state requires Jal Jeevan mission," PM said.

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8. The TMC government is hoarding the cash provided by the Centre for several schemes, saying that the government does not do any work and does not let others do it, either. "The BJP believes not only in announcing schemes, but also in implementing schemes," Modi said.

9. PM Modi emphasised that the BJP government brought Social Security Scheme for tea sellers and tea garden workers in Bengal. "This is especially beneficial for women workers who have to stop working due to problems or during pregnancy. The scheme offers them security. This year's Budget set aside Rs 1,000 cr as a special fund for workers in Bengal," PM Modi said.

10. "I have known Didi for ages. She is not the same person who raised her voice against the Left. She speaks someone else's language now and is being controlled," PM Modi said, accusing the TMC government of playing 'Corruption Olympics'.