In a fiery address during a public rally in Malda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took aim at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of presiding over a breakdown of law and order in the state. Singh’s remarks were made as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
Singh minced no words in his criticism, alleging that the TMC government had failed to maintain law and order, which he argued was a fundamental prerequisite for the state’s development. He characterized the government as one of “corrupt, goons, and criminals,” claiming that all government contracts were being awarded to TMC workers.
Addressing another rally in Murshidabad, Singh highlighted what he termed as an “atmosphere of anarchy” prevailing throughout West Bengal. He cited incidents such as Sandeshkhali as emblematic of the deteriorating situation and pledged action if the BJP came to power, promising to address such challenges head-on.
“There is an atmosphere of anarchy in the entire West Bengal and it is known for crime. Incidents like Sandeshkhali happen in the land of West Bengal. I assure you that this time if the BJP government is formed here, we will see who dares to repeat the incident like Sandeshkhali,” Rajnath Singh said on Sunday.
The backdrop to Singh’s critique is the evolving political landscape in West Bengal. Traditionally a stronghold of the TMC, the state witnessed a significant shift in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP made substantial gains, winning 18 seats compared to its previous tally of just 2 seats. Meanwhile, the TMC’s seat count decreased to 22 from its earlier 34 seats. The Congress and Left Front also faced setbacks in representation.
The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal have captured national attention, with constituencies like Coochbehar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri already having gone to polls in the initial phase. The remaining 39 constituencies are scheduled for voting from April 26 to June 1, with results set to be announced on June 4.
As political tensions escalate in the state, Singh’s remarks underscore the fierce contest between the BJP and TMC, with law and order emerging as a central issue in the electoral discourse. The outcome of these elections will likely have far-reaching implications for West Bengal’s political landscape and national dynamics.