Darjeeling: On Monday, Union Minister Anurag Thakur raised substantial concerns regarding the state of security and law enforcement in West Bengal. He questioned how individuals engaged in terrorism and crimes against women could find refuge in the state.
Union Minister for Youth, Sports, and Information & Broadcasting Thakur visited Bengal to advocate for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the initial phases of the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for April 19 and 26. His comments followed the recent arrest of two individuals, allegedly linked to the Bengaluru Rameswaram café explosion, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Kanthi, West Bengal.
Thakur arrived at Bagdogra airport via air travel from Delhi, subsequently heading to a hotel in Sukna. There, he planned a meeting with BJP officials and local representatives as the Darjeeling constituency prepared for elections on April 26.
Addressing journalists at the airport, Thakur highlighted the alleged decline of law and order in the state, questioning, “How can individuals participating in riots and terrorism seek haven under Mamata Banerjee’s administration? Those who commit offenses against women, indulge in corruption, and operate anti-state elements seem to find protection in West Bengal under her governance. A new benchmark of corruption has been established in the state. How is it possible for terrorists who commit wrongdoing in West Bengal or Bengaluru to find shelter in West Bengal?”
Criticizing the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s stance on inflation, Thakur stated, “Rahul Gandhi must remember that in 2013-14, under UPA rule, inflation was at 13%. Despite global economic turmoil, with soaring inflation abroad, India’s situation remains under control. Under the Modi administration, the impoverished receive support, with sufficient agricultural yields and access to free medical care.”
He further claimed that under a government led by Rahul Gandhi, neither the ‘Mangalayaan’ nor ‘Chandrayaan’ missions would have achieved success. “Congress’s views align with those of foreign entities, suggesting they aim to weaken the nation. Why does Rahul Gandhi’s agenda seek to undermine India? Even from the opposition, they advocate dismantling nuclear capabilities. Congress’s manifesto may even include international influences,” Thakur alleged.