Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Krishnanagar ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, mounted a strong attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He said that his “jhalmuri” remark had delivered a major blow to the ruling party and accused the TMC of protecting infiltrators and encouraging what he described as “jungle raj” in the state.

He assured the Matua and Namashudra communities, along with refugee families, that they would be safeguarded and would not have to live in fear under a BJP government. Modi further promised that the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) would be fast-tracked once the BJP comes to power in West Bengal. He said that all eligible beneficiaries would be granted citizenship rights and equal access to government benefits, describing it as a firm commitment from his side.

Recalling his recent campaign visit to Jhargram, where he was seen eating jhalmuri, he made a light-hearted remark that the snack had metaphorically “shocked” the TMC. He urged voters to support the BJP-NDA alliance and predicted a strong victory in the state. Modi also referred to the first phase of polling, saying that high voter turnout indicated growing dissatisfaction with the current government. He claimed that in several regions, including Puducherry and Assam, strong voter participation has historically favored the BJP, expressing confidence that similar trends would continue in West Bengal.

He praised the Election Commission for ensuring relatively peaceful elections compared to earlier years, stating that the voting process reflected a strengthening of democracy. Modi added that fear was being replaced by trust among voters, and cited slogans supporting political change in the state. Polling for the second phase in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29, with counting of votes set for May 4.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.