Katwa (WB): (Apr 11) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday promised to accelerate the provision of citizenship under CAA for Matua, Namasudra and other refugee communities if the BJP came to power in West Bengal, while warning “infiltrators” to “pack up their bags”.
Addressing a rally at Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, Modi sought to reassure the Matua and Namasudra communities — a politically influential refugee bloc concentrated in south Bengal — that their future was protected not by the ruling Trinamool Congress but by the Constitution and the CAA.
The prime minister said a BJP government in Bengal would not only follow the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ but would also add ‘Sabka Hisaab,’ which means every “looter and oppressor” will be held fully accountable.
The PM also said, “After the BJP government is formed, the process of granting citizenship under CAA will be accelerated for all eligible applicants.”
The remarks are significant in a state where the Matua community, spread across several districts of south Bengal, is seen as an influential electoral bloc and where the issue of citizenship has remained politically charged.
“The infiltrators should start packing their bags; it is time to leave. Those who have helped the infiltrators will not be spared,” Modi added, in an apparent attack on the TMC.
The Prime Minister alleged that the 15-year rule of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had created an atmosphere of fear in Bengal.
“The 15-year rule of the TMC has given nothing but fear to every citizen, every family of Bengal. This election is to eradicate the TMC’s fear,” he said.
He called for a “Bengal free of TMC’s fear and filled with BJP’s trust”. Modi said, “Such a change would be the first step towards building a developed Bengal.”
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases – on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4
