Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday came down hard on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and accused her of orchestrating violence against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in the state. Addressing a rally in Thakurnagar, PM Modi said Mamata Banerjee has become nervous because of the love the people of the state are showing towards the BJP.
"Now I can understand why Didi (Banerjee) and her party are indulging in violence...killing innocent people. She has become jittery because of your love for us," PM Modi said while addressing a well-attended event of the Scheduled Caste Matua community.
Taking his battle for the Lok Sabha elections to Mamata Banerjee's turf, PM Modi also accused his political rivals of misleading the distressed farming community through farm loan waivers.
The prime minister also made a strong pitch for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to accord Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled their countries due to religious persecution.
"We've brought the Citizenship Amendment Bill. I appeal to TMC to support this bill and let it pass in the Parliament," PM Modi said.
Describing the Union Budget 2019 as a 'historic step' for the welfare of farmers, the working and middle class, he said these sections were neglected for years after Independence.
"We have announced measures in our budget that will benefit 12 crore small farmers, 30-40 crore workmen, and three crore middle class people," he said.
PM Modi had to cut short his speech at Thakurnagar as the huge crowd resulted in stampede-like situation.
Before the rally, PM Modi also visited the Matua Thakurbari and sought the blessings of Baro Ma, the current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harishchandra Thakur.
WATCH: PM Modi blasts Mamata in Thakurnagar rally
(With inputs from PTI)
