TMC only concerned about nephew, Congress about family: PM Modi in Siliguri

In his fourth visit to the state in nine days since March 1, Modi claimed it is only him and the BJP who think about the future generations.

"TMC people are concerned about their nephew. Congress people have to promote the sons and daughters of their royal family, Those on the Left have to maintain coordination with these two, so that they remain relevant.

"These people do not care about your children, if there is anyone who cares about the future of your children… It is Modi, BJP, NDA alliance," the Prime Minister, whose BJP swept the North Bengal region in 2019 General Elections, said.

Like in his previous rallies, Modi on Saturday alleged the TMC government is putting a brake on several of central schemes at a time the state ruling party is raising the issue of alleged non-payment of MGNREGA scheme and PM Awas Yojana against the Centre.

The Prime Minister, who held a 12-kilometer roadshow before the address, said, "The alliance of TMC, Congress, and other Leftist parties is objecting to our decision to provide you with free ration.

"In Bengal, the corrupt and anti-women leaders of TMC have been arrested for the ration scam. I have also guaranteed you free healthcare under the Ayushman Yojana, but the TMC is not implementing that either."

Photo courtesy: X/@BJP4India

Modi, the supreme leader of BJP, has also hit out at the TMC government, run by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, for not allowing distribution of free LPG cylinders to "14 lakh women" from the state.

"Through the PM Ujjwala Yojana, we provide free gas connections, but the TMC government is depriving over 14 lakh women from receiving these benefits," he said.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Prime Minister on Friday announced a reduction of Rs. 100 on LPG cylinders.

Modi also touched upon the pot-boiling issue of Sandeshkhali, an island in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas where several women accused now arrested erstwhile TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his two aides of land grabbing and sexual assault.

He said, "TMC remains indifferent to your struggles. In Sandeshkhali, women from poor, Dalit, and Adivasi communities have been tortured."

TMC counters Modi's claims

TMC Rajya Sabha MP-elect Sagarika Ghose said, "PM is spreading falsehoods that Bengal government is not letting central welfare schemes reach the Bengal people. 59 lakh MGNREGA workers have not received wages because Centre has deprived Bengal of funds. 11.3 lakh home people don't have homes because Centre has deprived Bengal of funds.

"The Centre owes Bengal over Rs. 1 lakh crore, having taken over Rs. 4 lakh crore from Bengal in taxes."