Indian PM Modi Accuses TMC Government in West Bengal of Appeasement Politics and Threatening Hindus

On May 3, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal during election rallies in Bardhaman-Durgapur and Krishnanagar. Modi accused the TMC of promoting appeasement politics, threatening Hindus, and engaging in unfair job practices in the state. The Prime Minister's allegations come amidst a heated political battle in West Bengal as the Lok Sabha elections approach their final phases.

The accusations of appeasement politics and threats to Hindus have significant implications for the political scenario of West Bengal and the country as a whole, as they touch on sensitive issues of religious identity and political polarization. The outcome of the Lok Sabha elections will have a lasting impact on the governance and direction of the state, and potentially influence national politics. The outcome of the Lok Sabha elections will have a lasting impact on the governance and direction of the state, and potentially influence national politics.

During his address, Modi claimed that Hindus were being given second-class status in Bengal. He referenced a recent incident where TMC MLA Humayun Kabir allegedly threatened to drown Hindus in the Bhagirathi river within two hours. "Why have Hindus become second-class citizens in Bengal," Modi questioned. "An MLA of TMC gave a statement recently that they will throw Hindus in the Bhagirathi River. What kind of politics is this? Is appeasement more important than humanity for the TMC?"

ThePrime Ministeralso accused the TMC government of protecting the main accused, Shajahan Sheikh, in the Sandeshkhali case, where allegations of sexual abuse against TMC leaders surfaced. "The state government, because of its appeasement politics, didn't touch the main accused in the Sandeshkhali case as his name is Shajahan Sheikh," Modi said. "So many atrocities were committed against women there, and the entire country wanted punishment for the culprits. But, the TMC kept protecting the main accused till the end."

Modi further alleged that the TMC's appeasement politics led them to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Act, a stance supported by the Congress and Left parties. He questioned the recent seizure of arms and ammunition from Sandeshkhali, wondering if the weapons were meant to strengthen democracy in the state. The Prime Minister's accusations have added fuel to an already heated political battle in West Bengal.

Why this matters: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously accused the Modi government of attempting to marginalize the SC, ST, and OBC communities and of being intolerant of Bengal's independence and the autonomy of the Election Commission. The Congress also alleged that West Bengal's industrial wealth was threatened by the Modi government's crony capitalist policies. The war of words continues between the BJP and the TMC, and the people of West Bengal are set to vote in the remaining phases of the Lok Sabha elections.

The outcome of the elections will determine the future course of West Bengal and its governance. Modi's accusations of appeasement politics,threats to make Hindus second-class citizens, and unfair practices have raised the stakes in an already contentious political environment. The Prime Minister stated, "The entire country is aware of what happened with the women in Sandeshkhali. After that, Trinamool Congress wanted to protect the principal accused since his name was Sheikh Shahjahan."

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi accuses TMC of promoting appeasement politics in West Bengal.
• Modi claims Hindus are being given second-class status in Bengal.
• TMC MLA allegedly threatened to drown Hindus in Bhagirathi river.
• Modi accuses TMC of protecting accused in Sandeshkhali sexual abuse case.
• Outcome of Lok Sabha elections will impact governance and direction of West Bengal.