'For Modi ji, all of you are brothers and nephews. Mamata has only 1 nephew, and she wants to make him CM': Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a sharp political offensive against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a rally in North Bengal, asserting that if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in the state, the Chief Minister will be “a son of Bengal’s soil” and not “someone’s nephew.” He accused the ruling leadership of misleading voters and claimed that the BJP would bring a decisive political shift after the elections.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said that West Bengal would soon join Bihar and Odisha in having BJP-led governments, stating that “after May 5, Anga, Banga, and Kalinga will all have BJP Chief Ministers.” He alleged that the current leadership was focused on promoting family interests, while the BJP aimed to establish governance rooted in local representation and accountability.

Outlining his party’s promises, Shah said that a BJP government would focus on large-scale development in North Bengal. He announced plans to build modern schools in tea garden areas, provide ₹3,000 monthly assistance to workers, establish an AIIMS and a 500-bed cancer hospital, and set up IIMs and IT institutions. He also promised to resolve long-standing issues of the Gorkha community and to strengthen border security within 45 days of coming to power.

The Union Minister also targeted the state government on issues of law and order and women’s safety, claiming that conditions would improve under BJP rule. He alleged that people were living under fear and corruption and asserted that a BJP government would ensure safety and free movement for women at all hours. His speech included strong remarks warning alleged “goons” and promising strict action if the party forms the government.

Shah further addressed contentious political issues, including allegations related to “love jihad” and land-related concerns, while criticising the ruling party’s policies. Beginning his speech with slogans and direct appeals to voters, he positioned the BJP’s campaign as a mission to “save Bengal from fear and corruption,” intensifying the political rhetoric ahead of the assembly elections.