As the election campaign in West Bengal ends on Monday – with the state set to vote in the second and final phase on Wednesday, April 29 – the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah made last-ditch efforts to secure votes.
Prime Minister Modi made a spiritual statement in an open letter to the voters of West Bengal. Shah issued a warning about the central forces to the current Prime Minister Mamata Banerjee.
In his open letter posted on social media just minutes before his campaign deadline, Modi invoked the Hindu goddess Kali, who he said filled him with “new energy.” He also equated election campaigning in Bengal with Hajj.
“During these elections, I experienced a unique energy in Bengal. Despite the intense heat and after many rallies, I did not feel even a little tired in this Bengal election. These rallies and roadshows were like a pilgrimage for me. When I went among the devotees of Ma Kali, perhaps Ma Kali itself was constantly filling me with new energy,” PM Modi said in the message.
The Prime Minister said everyone in Bengal was eager for development and positioned the BJP as a natural choice.
“I have also seen how impatient everyone is – be it the youth, women, farmers or workers of Bengal – for a developed Bengal. The boys of Bengal now want open space to move forward. The girls want open skies and security. Every citizen and every family of Bengal is moving forward with one determination – now is the time for change. Enough of fear, now we need confidence, now we need BJP,” he said.
After polling takes place on Wednesday, the results will be announced on May 4.
Amit Shah’s wish
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Monday issued a warning West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress said central forces deployed in the state for the assembly elections would remain there for at least another 60 days after the elections, even if the BJP comes to power.
Addressing a rally in Behala after leading a roadshow on the last day of campaigning for the second phase, Shah urged voters to cast their votes and not worry about “goons”.
“Don’t worry about Didi’s idiots; The Election Commission has spread CAPF to every nook and corner. Today, I am saying it as I go – after the elections, the BJP government will come. However, CAPF will remain here for the next 60 days.”
Shah stood on top of an open car, waved to his supporters and showered flower petals on the crowds lining the road.
The roadshow was held to support the BJP candidates for the posts of Bhalla Purba and Bhalla Paschim.
