On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a critique of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that the party is protecting those involved in the recent gangrape incident in Kolkata and obstructing development efforts in West Bengal.

During his visit to West Bengal on Friday, PM Modi initiated a series of development projects totaling Rs 5,400 crore, introducing significant initiatives in the oil and gas, power, rail, and road sectors, all aimed at enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, and clean energy in the area.

While speaking at a public rally in Durgapur, PM Modi remarked, “You have all witnessed how, when a young doctor faced atrocities here, the TMC government intervened to shield the offenders. The nation had not even recovered from that incident when, in another college, a dreadful crime was perpetrated against yet another young woman. In that instance as well, the accused were discovered to have connections with the TMC.”

Focusing on the ruling party’s record regarding law and order, the Prime Minister stated that the TMC is failing to provide safety and justice within the state. “Incidents like the one in Murshidabad occur in West Bengal, and the police act unilaterally. There is no glimmer of justice in West Bengal. The state government is unable to safeguard the lives of its citizens,” he asserted.

PM Modi further accused the TMC of extorting funds from businesses and hindering economic progress in the state. “In West Bengal, businessmen are being coerced for money, and TMC members threaten them. The ‘Gunda Tax’ imposed by the TMC hampers investment in the state,” he claimed. He asserted that the ruling party is “opposed to investment and job creation in West Bengal.”

During the day’s activities, the Prime Minister inaugurated the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) City Gas Distribution project, valued at Rs 1,950 crore, in the Bankura and Purulia districts. He also presented to the nation the Durgapur–Kolkata section (132 km) of the Durgapur–Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, which cost Rs 1,190 crore and was established under the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) initiative.

Earlier that day, while addressing the audience in Motihari in Bhojpuri during his sixth visit to Bihar, which is preparing for elections this year, the Prime Minister emphasized development while criticizing the RJD and Congress for allegedly “robbing the poor.”