“This is being done to appease their vote bank and further Vote Jihad”: PM Modi Accuses TMC of Depriving OBCs of their Rights in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, accusing it of depriving Other Backward Classes youths of their rights in favor of appeasement politics and "vote jihad". His criticism follows the recent decision by the Calcutta High Court to revoke the OBC status granted to several communities in the state since 2010, deeming such reservations for job vacancies as unlawful.

Addressing a poll rally in Bengal’s Barasat, PM Modi expressed astonishment at the TMC's response to judicial decisions, questioning their faith in the judiciary and the Constitution. He condemned the party's unprecedented attacks on judges, suggesting a potential escalation involving TMC's alleged intimidation tactics against the judiciary. Modi stated, "It is quite evident that TMC doesn't like those who expose its treachery and lies. I am astonished to see how the party is questioning the judiciary. Don’t they have any faith in the judiciary and our Constitution?"

In addition to targeting the TMC's handling of the judiciary, Prime Minister Modi criticized Mamata Banerjee for her comments regarding institutions like the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. He accused the TMC of intolerance towards truth, alleging that anyone revealing the party's realities becomes a target for retribution. Modi emphasized, "TMC can't tolerate truth. Whoever tries to bring out TMC's truth is targeted by the TMC. A TMC MLA said, 'Hinduon ko Bhagirathi mein baha denge.' Sadhus of Bengal humbly requested the TMC to rectify their mistake. But TMC started abusing the sadhus."

Highlighting a specific incident where a TMC MLA reportedly threatened to drown Hindus in the Bhagirathi River, Modi questioned the party's alleged disregard for religious sentiments and disrespect towards revered institutions. He cited the humiliation faced by saints from institutions like the Ramakrishna Mission and ISKCON, attributing it to the TMC's pursuit of vote bank politics and alleged "vote jihad". Modi added, “Saints of great institutions like Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON, Bharat Sevashram Sangha were humiliated. This is being done to appease their vote bank and further the ‘Vote Jihad’.”

The Prime Minister also alleged that TMC, Congress and the CPM are in cahoots in Bengal, and stated that TMC and CPM are two sides of the same coin. "Bengal was first looted by Congress and then Left. Now, TMC is looting it with both hands. Congress, CPM and TMC - all three of them are accused of West Bengal. People also know that every vote cast for CPM will land in the account of TMC. TMC and Left are two sides of the same coin. CM has even announced that she will support them in Delhi. So, Bengal has understood all the games being played behind the curtains,” said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed another poll meeting in Bengal's Jadavpur Lok Sabha constituency ahead of the upcoming seventh and final phase of the general elections scheduled for June 1. He also visited Sri Sri Sarada Mayer Bari in Baghbazar to offer prayers. Additionally, he participated in a massive roadshow alongside BJP Bengal leadership, stretching from Shyambazar Paanch Mathar More to Swami Vivekanand’s residence.