PM Modi speaks of ‘Calcutta killings’ and ‘Noakhali riots’, praises Shyama Prasad Mukherjee for keeping Bengal within India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday used his address at the West Bengal Day programme in Tarakeswar to recall the Calcutta killings of 1946, the Noakhali riots, and the role of Syama Prasad Mukherjee in West Bengal's accession to India. Addressing a large gathering in Hooghly district, the Prime Minister said Bengal witnessed a turbulent period during Partition and stated that Syama Prasad Mukherjee played a crucial role in preventing West Bengal from being separated from India. He also alleged that important chapters of Bengal's history had not received adequate public attention over the years.

Referring to the violence that took place during the final years of British rule, the Prime Minister mentioned the Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots, saying many Bengalis lost their lives during that period. He stated that there had been a conspiracy to merge the whole of West Bengal with Pakistan and asserted that Syama Prasad Mukherjee opposed such efforts. During his speech, he also criticized previous governments, alleging that historical events and the contributions of certain leaders had been deliberately kept away from public discussion.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Tarakeswar by helicopter on Saturday afternoon and proceeded to the programme venue amid extensive security arrangements. Beginning his speech with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and offering respects to Baba Taraknath, he spoke about recent political changes in the state and ongoing development initiatives. After addressing the gathering for about thirty minutes, the Prime Minister left for Kolkata, where he was scheduled to attend a Yoga Carnival at Millennium Park and later stay overnight at Lok Bhavan ahead of International Yoga Day programmes on Sunday.