Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to toe a fine line between criticism of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and nationalism at his rally in Siliguri, 600 kms from Kolkata, today.
Calling Banerjee a ‘speedbreaker to development’, Modi criticised her brand of politics as ‘anti-poor’.
Obviously, Modi’s pet schemes like the Ayushman Bharat health scheme and the PM Kissan Samman Yojana - cash benefits to farmers - were cited as prime instances as ones that the ruling Trinamool Congress was not implementing here in West Bengal.
“Development projects could have been speeded up here in Bengal. But you have a speed breaker Didi. What does she do? Slams break on development projects here in the State,’ Modi said.
The Mamata Banerjee government wants the poor to remain in poverty so as to further its political ambitions, he alleged. Moreover, it has adopted a stand of “objecting to Central policies” thereby inconveniencing the common man.
“Ayushman Bharat is not implemented here. Why? Do you not want the poor to get treatment?” the Prime Minister further questioned.
It was only a matter of time before he switched over to the nationalism narrative.
In trademark style he trained on his guns on Banerjee for questioning the Balakot air-strikes. The Opposition leaders, who according to Modi are more concerned about Pakistan than the bravado of its own forces, were severely criticised.
“Didi sitting in Kolkata was more pained by Balakot air-strikes. Even her companions and so called allies felt bad because of the air-strikes. And, they became heroes in Pakistan,” Modi said.
The choice before people was either a “strong government” at the Centre or yet another remote controlled one.
“Your vote is not to bring Modi back to power. But to ensure that a stronger India is built under BJP and NDA,” he added.
Later in the day, Modi will be flying to Kolkata to address a rally at the historic Brigade Parade Ground. The Brigade rally is said to be BJP’s ultimate show-of-strength in the State.