“City neglected, KMC on verge of bankruptcy”: Amit Shah calls to restore Kolkata’s “lost glory”

Launching a multi-pronged attack ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a rally in Dum Dum North, accused the ruling dispensation of turning Kolkata into a “slum-like city” and fostering infiltration for vote bank politics. He called for restoring the city’s “lost glory” and alleged that while other cities are becoming slum-free, the state government is encouraging illegal settlements. Beginning his speech with prayers to Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Annapurna Temple, Kalibari Temple, and Loknath Baba Temple in Chakla, Shah also appealed to voters to support BJP candidates to “free West Bengal from infiltrators.”

Outlining BJP’s governance vision, Shah promised that if voted to power, the Kolkata Metro network would be expanded threefold, with major focus on Dum Dum, Howrah, and other regions. He also reiterated the party’s commitment to implementing a Uniform Civil Code, stating that practices like multiple marriages and triple talaq would be abolished. Criticising civic administration, he claimed that municipalities were on the verge of bankruptcy and blamed negligence for stagnant water bodies across the region.

Shah intensified his attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she opposed the Ram Temple construction and used political tactics involving leaders like Humayun Kabir. He claimed that past regimes, including Mughals, British, Congress, and Trinamool, had delayed the Ram Temple for over 500 years, while Narendra Modi fulfilled the promise. He further alleged that earlier governments “fed biryani to terrorists” and retained Article 370, asserting that its removal dealt a strong blow to terrorism. He also accused opposition leaders of using inappropriate language against the Prime Minister and predicted electoral setbacks for Congress in multiple states.

On social and political issues, Shah targeted the state government over women’s safety and the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging that Mamata Banerjee and Congress opposed 33% reservation. He criticised remarks about women’s mobility after evening hours and assured that under BJP rule, women would feel completely safe. Referring to Sandeshkhali, he alleged prolonged oppression of women by infiltrators and accused the state leadership of silence. He also attacked the government over industrial decline, claiming around 6,000 institutions had left due to corruption and “cut money.”

Addressing law and order concerns, Shah warned TMC workers against allegedly threatening voters, stating there would be consequences if intimidation continued. He projected a “Sonar Bangla” vision inspired by figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Sri Aurobindo, and Syama Prasad Mukherjee, promising good governance. Concluding his speech, he predicted a decisive electoral outcome, saying counting on May 4 would quickly signal defeat for the ruling party. Shah is on a seven-day visit to West Bengal until April 27, with a packed campaign schedule ahead of the second phase of polling on April 29 and participation during the first phase on April 23.