In Bengal, Modi blames Mamata for Murshidabad riots, teacher recruitment scam

Attacking the TMC government in West Bengal over the Murshidabad riots and the teacher recruitment scam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 29 May, accused it of fostering violence, corruption and lawlessness, claiming that people in the state are desperate to oust the "nirmam sarkar (cruel government)".

Addressing a public rally in North Bengal's Alipurduar, Modi cited the recent incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda as grim reminders of the TMC regime's "cruelty and indifference" towards the ordinary citizens.

"Today, West Bengal is grappling with a series of crises. People want change and good governance. That is why the whole of Bengal is saying they don't want cruelty and corruption any more," the prime minister said.

Criticising the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government for the communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda, the PM said, “These were clear examples of the government's cruelty. In the name of appeasement, lawlessness was allowed to flourish. Hooligans had a free run.”

With the assembly elections due next year, Modi said the people are yearning for a change.

This is Modi's first visit to the state since violent clashes broke out in parts of Murshidabad in April, following protests over the Waqf Amendment Act. At least three people were killed and several others injured.

Criticising the TMC over the multi-crore teacher recruitment scam, Modi said, "This is not just ruining the lives of a few thousand teachers, but the entire education system is deteriorating. Even now, the TMC refuses to admit its mistakes. Instead, they are blaming the courts and the judicial system."