West Bengal is run by government-sponsored “syndicates” that determine not just agri-produce prices but also intervene in admission procedures at colleges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.
Speaking at the Kisan Kalyan Rally organised in West Midnapore district on Monday, the Prime Minister attacked the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress Government for unleashing a reign of terror and the ‘Ma-Maati-Manush’ syndicate stands “exposed”.
Syndicates – a term loosely used for political party groups or workers calling shots or collecting money – have been an issue in the State. These groups have been recently active in colleges allegedly intervening in the admission processes and collecting money.
So far, such groups had been most active in the real estate and construction sector determining at what price (generally higher than market price) building materials are to be procured and also deciding on who the suppliers of such materials are to be.
Similarly, middlemen has been a pain point in the farm sector. These middlemen procure produce from farmers at low prices and then sell them in the market at higher ones.
“It has become impossible to do anything in West Bengal without the syndicate’s permission. Everything is decided by the syndicate — where will farmers sell produce, how much will they sell it, and who all will get admission to colleges,” the PM said during the rally.
Farmers in Bengal have hardly benefited and there are no opportunities for the youth either. Moreover, marketing of produce and their storage needs to be focused on too.
“I hope the Bengal Government will listen to and keep farmers’ welfare in mind,” he said, pointing out that the BJP Government at the Centre is working towards doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
“My government is your government. It is a government of farmers. Our government worked for farmers... from ensuring quality seeds to market to ensuring supply of urea,” Modi added.
Bringing change in Bengal
Urging people of Bengal to “think as one”, the Prime Minister gave the example of Tripura and how the people united together to remove years of Left rule.
In Bengal, he said, people rose against the Left and removed it; but the Trinamool Congress which came in its place is even worse.
The State Government is throttling democracy and has a complete disregard for democratic values. Political opponents are being silenced too.
“People of Bengal used (the) power of democracy to get rid of communism. Now, within months, Bengal is going to be free. Bengal is waiting for an opportunity. For a prosperous future, I request people of Bengal to think as one and not get divided,” PM Modi said.