New Delhi: Ahead of 3rd phase of assembly elections in Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a rally in Hooghly and targeted Mamata Banerjee for raising questions on the Election Commission.

PM Modi said that second phase polling in Nandigram confirmed final outcome in West Bengal and once BJP government is formed, he will come to state to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

Taunting Didi, PM Modi said, “We sensed the outcome of Bengal elections during polling for Nandigram; Didi you betrayed people, you accept defeat. TMC left Singur in limbo after exploiting it for political purpose, no industries in the area and farmers are in distress too,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi exuded confidence that the party would not only win but he will also attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new chief minister.

“The decision to implement the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme for farmers will be taken at the first Cabinet meeting. I will also attend the Chief Minister’s swearing-in ceremony,” he added.

‘Didi’s blocked mentality’ impacting state’s growth, says PM

Hitting out at TMC govt, PM Modi said that Didi’s ‘blocked mentality’ was affecting connectivity in the state.

“A major reason for Didi’s bewilderment is her 10-year report card. Old industries have been shut down, along with possibilities of new industries, new investment, new business, and employment,” PM Modi said.

He attacked the Banerjee government for not implementing Ayushman Bharat, Kisan Samman Nidhi and other central schemes, saying,

“Mamata did not let the poor people in the state avail the benefits of the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme across the country which gives treatment worth Rs 5 lakh for people across the country.”

“The blocked mentality of Didi and her party has even affected connectivity. Leaders of the Trinamool Congress are forming several blockades for railway lines in the region. We will improve connectivity,” he said.

‘Didi insulting Bengalis by claiming BJP rallies paid’

The Prime Minister also accused Banerjee of ‘insulting’ the people of the state by saying that those attending BJP rallies in the state were being paid to do so.

“Didi (Mamata) says that the crowd that attends BJP rallies does it for money. Didi, Bengalis are self-respecting people. Can citizens of Bengal sell themselves? Can they be bought? These are self-respecting people. The entire British Sultanate could not do anything to the people of Bengal,” PM Modi said at a public meeting in Tarkeshwar, Hooghly.

Polling for the first two phases of the West Bengal polls was held on March 27 and April 1 respectively. The next phase of polling will take place on April 6.