‘Vote for us and infiltrators will run away’: PM Modi slams TMC, Cong for appeasement politics

KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and Congress for the “appeasement” politics and said they are “encouraging infiltration only for the greed of power.”

Addressing a public gathering in Kolkata, PM Modi urged people to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Assembly polls next year to get rid of infiltrators. He said the BJP will not allow infiltrators to take away the jobs and torture women. He launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, stating that the state’s progress has remained stagnant due to the corruption and misrule of the Trinamool Congress

The PM BJP to ensure that the benefits of central government schemes reach everyone. He said so long as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is not removed from power the development of West Bengal will not be possible “…It is necessary to elect the BJP in West Bengal to ensure that the benefits of central government schemes reach the people. It is certain that TMC will be removed from power and BJP will be elected.”

#WATCH | West Bengal | Addressing a public meeting in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Vote for us and the infiltrators will run away… We will not allow those infiltrators who are taking away the jobs of our youth and torturing women to stay in India… Some parties… pic.twitter.com/ZpvgCKP5nK

— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2025

The Prime Minister criticised the ruling TMC government and alleged that crime and corruption had become the identity of the TMC government. He said the condition of the state had worsened under its rule.

“Over the past 11 years, the BJP government at the Centre has provided every kind of support for the development of West Bengal, the Prime Minister said. He added that most of the money sent to the state government for Bengal gets “looted” by TMC cadres. “That money is spent on TMC cadres. As a result, Bengal lags behind other states in the country in many schemes for the welfare of the poor,” the Prime Minister said.

The PM alleged that the state government had created hurdles in the implementation of central welfare schemes. PM Modi said that people in West Bengal deserved access to schemes related to housing, healthcare, education, and employment without political interference.

#WATCH | West Bengal | Addressing a public meeting in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “…We have seen that even when the Chief Minister is in jail, they run the government. This is a disrespect to the Constitution and democracy. I cannot see this happening… Whether… pic.twitter.com/N6eHxqvJB6

— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2025

“So long as the TMC government is in power, the progress of the state will remain stalled. TMC jaabe, tabhi asaol parivartan ashbe (TMC will go, only then real change will come),” PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in Kolkata.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the current time, saying, “In the 21st century, 25 years have passed. In the coming years, like for the country, it is very important for Bengal. We should not fritter away this time.”

He stressed that Bengal needed “saccha parivartan, asol parivartan, not in slogans” but change that would ensure jobs for sons and daughters, safety for women, fair prices for farmers, and an end to corruption.

The Prime Minister also asserted that only a BJP government could bring this transformation in the state. He said his party was determined to reach every corner of Bengal with the message of change.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Kolkata. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the six-lane elevated Kona Expressway. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Kolkata and all citizens of West Bengal for these multi-thousand crore rupee projects.

PM Modi also criticised the Opposition parties for attempting to dismantle the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament, which seeks to remove the Prime Minister or Chief Ministers who are facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and have been detained for 30 consecutive days.

“We have seen that even when the Chief Minister is in jail, they run the government. This is a disrespect to the Constitution and democracy. I cannot see this happening…Whether it is a minister, Chief Minister or Prime Minister, everyone comes under the purview of this stringent law…TMC leaders tried to tear this bill apart in Parliament…They protect the corrupt…” PM Modi said.

The prime minister was addressing the people after inaugurating multiple metro railway projects in Kolkata, and emphasised that India now has the third-largest metro network in the world. The PM said the projects showed that the government is working for the development of every city as India is moving towards becoming the third-largest economy. He said the projects reflected the government’s commitment to urban development and green mobility.

“Today, when India is moving towards becoming the third largest economy, the role of Dum Dum, Kolkata, increases further… This program is a proof that today’s India is working for the development of every city. Green mobility efforts are being made in every city; the number of electric charging points and electric buses is being increased… The metro network is being expanded and everyone is proud that India has the third largest metro network in the world,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the people of Kolkata for these development projects, saying, “Today once again I got the opportunity to accelerate development in West Bengal…Everyone is happy that Kolkata’s public transport has progressed…I congratulate the people of Kolkata for these development projects,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi was also felicitated by Union Ministers Ravneet Singh and Shantanu Thakur. (ANI)