Ranaghat/Tehatta, April 26: Launching a blistering attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday claimed that the BJP would “uproot infiltration, end syndicate raj and restore law and order” if voted to power in West Bengal, while rolling out an aggressive mix of national security rhetoric and welfare promises.
Addressing back-to-back rallies in South Ranaghat and Tehatta, Shah invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s record on national security, contrasting it with what he described as the “soft approach” of previous regimes. “Those who once treated terrorists leniently have been replaced by a government that responds with decisive force,” he said, referring to surgical and air strikes following terror attacks. He also paid tribute to martyr Jhantu Ali Sheikh.
Turning to Bengal’s electoral battleground, Shah alleged that the ruling dispensation was shielding infiltrators and opposing the revision of electoral rolls. “Remove them from the voter list today, and once BJP forms the government, they will be deported from the country one by one,” he asserted, adding that the first phase of polling had already tilted decisively in BJP’s favour.
In a bid to broaden electoral appeal, Shah announced a slew of welfare measures, promising ₹3,000 monthly assistance to women and unemployed youth, free bus travel for women, ₹50,000 support for girls pursuing higher education, and loans of up to ₹15 lakh for young entrepreneurs. He also pledged to procure paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal and increase annual farmer assistance to ₹9,000.
Accusing the state government of hurting farmers’ interests, Shah alleged that the influx of imported garlic had depressed local prices. “We will ensure fair prices by stopping such inflows,” he said, while also promising infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of a long-pending bridge over the Jangli river within two years.
Shah sharpened his attack on what he termed “lawlessness and syndicate culture,” vowing to dismantle sand, coal and cattle smuggling networks. He warned against electoral violence, stating that stringent security arrangements were in place to ensure free and fair polling.
The BJP leader also raised issues of women’s safety, citing incidents from places like Sandeshkhali and RG Kar, and accused the state government of failing to protect women. “Under BJP rule, women will feel safe even at midnight,” he claimed, criticising remarks that advised women to avoid stepping out after evening hours.
Positioning the BJP as the vehicle for systemic change, Shah promised implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, clearance of pending dearness allowance dues within 45 days, free healthcare up to ₹5 lakh, and the revival of industries through a new policy framework. He also pledged to create one lakh government jobs annually and establish premier institutions like AIIMS, IIT and IIM in the state.
Accusing the ruling leadership of promoting nepotism and corruption, Shah alleged that multiple scams—from teacher recruitment to disaster relief—would be investigated and those responsible held accountable. He also claimed that members of the Matua and Namoshudra communities had been unfairly removed from voter lists and assured their reinstatement under a BJP Government.
Invoking Bengal’s cultural legacy of Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Rabindranath Tagore, Shah concluded with a call to build a “Sonar Bangla,” promising governance reforms, industrial revival and improved civic infrastructure if the BJP comes to power.