“Amar sonar Bangla. Aami tomay bhalobashi” said Shri Narendra Modi, while drawing a warm welcome from the supporters, at his recent address at the BJP’s Jana Chetana Sabha in Kolkata, on the afternoon of 5th February, 2014.
Shri Narendra Modi urged the people of West Bengal to reject violence, hartals, corruption, industrial stagnation et al. He affirmed,
- राजनीती मैं हिंसा और गुंडा राज - चोलबे ना
- भ्रष्ट शासन - चोलबे ना
- हर रोज हड़ताल - चोलबे ना
- बिजली बिना अँधेरा - चोलबे ना
- औद्योगिक पलायन - चोलबे ना
- माँ - बहनो की असुरक्षा - चोलबे ना
- युवाओं की बेकारी - चोलबे ना
Speaking to the massive gathering, Shri Modi said that the support shown by the massive crowd who had gathered for the rally, only proved that the people of India had made their decision. “Those sitting in Delhi and talking about the 3rd front should come here and see what way the wind is blowing,” said Shri Modi.
Shri Modi said that the 2014 elections were going to be very different, and could prove the calculations of political pundits as wrong. “Political Pundits measure things but if they cannot gauge the mood of the people then their calculations will not be correct,” said Shri Modi.
Shri Narendra Modi applauded the people of West Bengal for their initiative to vote out the CPM, but also put across his concern of whether development had happened even after this. “You bid farewell to those who ruined West Bengal for 35 years. That was a very good start. But I also want to ask has the Parivartan come? Can you feel the change,” asked Shri Modi.
Urging the supporters to make Bengal take the lead, Shri Modi said, “I want you to do one thing- please make BJP win all Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal. People of West Bengal are revolutionary. You took a big decision in the State Elections, now take a brave decision in 2014.”
Shri Modi asked the people to vote for BJP and then compare the West Bengal state government and the BJP at the Centre, and see the results. “If you give us all the seats then I would really love to come here more often and serve you even more,” said Shri Modi.
Shri Modi spoke about the callous attitude of the present-day Central government, saying that they were not bothered about what the common man and woman wanted. “After so many years, is asking for development not your right,” questioned Shri Modi, while speaking about the sorry-state-of-affairs of the people in the Eastern part of India.
Shri Modi assured the people of pro-people governance by stating the party’s mantra, “विकास भी, ईमान भी, गरीबों का सम्मान भी; we have embraced this Mantra,” said Shri Modi.
Stating that the land of West Bengal was blessed by both goddesses Lakshmi ji and Saraswati ji, Shri Modi highlighted how the state was duly capable of giving to the nation. He also questioned as to why the domains of agriculture and education, and aspects of unemployment and sanitation facilities were in a pitiable state, inspite of the State’s vast potential. “Development in the Eastern part of India cannot be slow. It must match the development in the other parts of the nation,” said Shri Modi. He conveyed to the audience that the BJP believed in acknowledging and worshipping hard work. “Shram ko punji mana jaye. Shram ki pratishtha ho...our Mantra is Shrameva Jayate,” stated Shri Modi.
Shri Modi took on the prevailing mindset of only remembering the poor and the minoritycommunities during elections, Shri Modi asked, “Want to ask these secular leaders of West Bengal, why is the Haj quota for West Bengal so less than Gujarat?” while further adding, “When polls come they do 2 things- talk of the poor and sing songs of secularism. Those who shout about secularism have failed to see minorities as individuals, they see them as mere vote banks.”
Mentioning the grave concern of rampant unemployment, Shri Modi said that, rather than giving jobs to the local youth, the government was focusing on providing livelihood to the Bangladeshis. Taking objection to the influx of Bangladeshis, especially in the eastern states, Shri Modi, said, “Influx from Bangladesh is worrying people be it in Assam or here. People of India have the first right to resources and development,” said Shri Modi.
Comparing the growth and development of the Western states in India and relating it to the non-existence of the Third Front in these states, Shri Modi attributed the lack of development in the eastern part to the presence of the Third Front. Stressing on how the leaders of the Third Front were bent on ruining the economy of India, Shri Modi said, “Third Front will make India Third Grade and we need to reject them forever.”
Giving an example of the Congress’ injustice towards West Bengal, Shri Modi spoke about how President Pranab Mukherjee was not chosen for the post of the Prime Minister in the past, inspite of his seniority.“When Indira ji was killed, Rajiv Gandhi was in Kolkata. Democracy entails senior most Minister (Pranab ji) should have been PM. But no, that did not happen and Pranab Da was not taken in the Ministry,” said Shri Modi.
By speaking about the contribution made by Gurudev Tagore’s relative in Gujarat’s success story and Subhas Chandra Bose’s contribution at the Haripura session, Shri Modi underscored the close bond shared between Gujarat and West Bengal. He went on to add that Swami Vivekananda’s dream of a Jagat Guru Bharat could only be achieved when West Bengal would become the Rashtra guru. “If we have to make India a Vishwa Guru, then West Bengal must be a Rashtra Guru, only then it will happen,” said Shri Modi.
Speaking about momentous contribution made by Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Shri Modi said, “It is natural to remember Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee when I come to West Bengal. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was a visionary and sowed the seeds of a movement that has touched hearts of every Indian. He had said that the nation will not progress under Congress.”
Putting forth his definition of secularism, Shri Modi said, “My definition of secularism is very clear. The sole religion of the Government is Nation First, the holy book is the Constitution.”
Urging the crowd to Vote for BJP in 2014 elections, Shri Modi said, “Vote for Lotus, your gain is 3 fold- Mamata ji will work here, we will work in Delhi and Pranab Dada is from here too. Today I say, support us and we will give you Surajya.”
BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh recalled the rich contribution of the stalwarts from West Bengal, and spoke highly of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, while mentioning about his initiative to abolish the permit system that was mandatory for every North-eastern willing to visit Kashmir. Shri Rajnath Singh ji also spoke about various issues plaguing West Bengal, including rise in crime rate, pitiable condition of farmers, rampant corruption and the deepening unemployment scenario. He assured the people of a developed economy under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi.
Shri Shahnawaz Hussain in his address spoke of how Bengal, by showing support for BJP, will also contribute towards bringing the change that the Nation wants. He said that West Bengal had seen many ruling parties including the one led by Mamta Banerjee, but now the people were keen on seeing Narendra Modi. “Trinamool Congress is also an old Congress, the glass may have changed but the water is the same,” said Shri Shahnawaz. He added that only Narendra Modi could bring Bengal back on track, and highlighted BJP’s focus on development and doing away with corruption.
Former Minister Shri Tapan Sikdar paid tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Shri Subhas Chandra Bose. Singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri sang a song on the occasion, reflecting the love of the people for the BJP. "BJP, we all love you,” said Bappi Lahiri.
West Bengal BJP President Shri Rahul Sinha was also present on the occasion.
