THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Kolkata, Dec 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday kick-started the election campaign in West Bengal by addressing a rally held at Taherpur in Nadia district.
However, his speech was delivered virtually, as low visibility prevented his helicopter from landing at the venue. The pilot had to return the helicopter to Kolkata Airport, from where the Prime Minister connected with the rally online.
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At the start of his address, PM Modi apologized to the crowd for not being able to attend the rally in person due to adverse weather conditions.
Paying tribute to the great litterateur Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of Vande Mataram, noting that it had been a rallying cry against British rule. He emphasized that Vande Mataram should now serve as a guiding principle for nation-building.
PM Modi referred to the NDA’s victory in Bihar, saying that the Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal and that Bihar has set a path for Bengal. He stressed the need to free Bengal from “jungle raj” and said this sentiment is shared across all age groups. Modi expressed his wholehearted dedication to the people of Bengal.
He accused the state TMC government of blocking several development projects in West Bengal. While he said TMC is free to oppose the BJP, he criticized any attempts to obstruct development for political gains.
Modi appealed to the people of Bengal to give the BJP a chance and establish a “double-engine” government in the state, assuring that there would be no shortage of funds or policy support for Bengal’s development.
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The Prime Minister also mentioned that the recent changes in GST had provided significant relief to people in Bengal and across the country, benefiting citizens especially during festivals like Durga Puja.
In a somber note, PM Modi expressed deep sorrow over the news of the death of some BJP workers in a train accident while en route to the rally and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
