PM Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on “TMC goondas” of deliberately destroying the statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in violence during BJP president Amit Shah’s roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday, after which the Prime Minister promised to build a “grand statue” made of panchaloh (five metals) of the Bengali reformer at the same spot.
While addressing a rally in Mau (Maunath Bhanjan) situated in eastern UP, PM Modi alleged that workers of the TMC involved in hooliganism. “Such people should be given the harshest of punishments,” he said.
Mau is in the Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency that goes to the polls on May 19.
Mr. Modi said Vidyasagar was not just Bengal’s “vibhooti” but also that of the whole nation. “He was not only a great social reformer and educationist but also a guardian for the poor and Dalits.”
He also alleged that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee did not even accept him as her Prime Minister despite he was voted to power after “the blessings” of 130 crore Indians. “She considers the PM of Pakistan as PM. But not the PM of India,” he stated.
Mr. Modi, who is supposed to address rallies in West Bengal, where campaigning was restricted by a day, also said Ms. Banerjee was displaying an “anti-democratic mindset inebriated with power.”
Referring to his scheduled rally in Dum Dum in Kolkata, he wondered if the Chief Minister would allow it to happen. “If she has her way, she won’t even allow our helicopter to land,” he said.