Modi Sends Money For MGNREGA Wages, But TMC Gives It To Their ‘Tolabaz’: PM In Bengal

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Viksit Bharat West Bengal initiative in Siliguri on Saturday, marking a significant stride in the region’s infrastructural development as he inaugurated and dedicated several pivotal projects in the rail and road sectors, collectively valued at over Rs 4,500 crores.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates, dedicates and lays the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Siliguri, West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/AtLpDDzYQl

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024

Slamming the Mamata Banerjee-led government, PM Modi said the TMC “loots” the central funds allotted for the MGNREGA workers. “Modi sends the funds for MGNREGA wages from Delhi but the TMC government loots you. To benefit the TMC’s ‘tolabaz’, 25 lakh fake job cards were made and given to the people,” he said.  

Taking potshots at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, PM Modi said the incident of Sandeshkhali is being discussed across the country. He further said both the Left Front and TMC ignored the basic needs of the people of Bengal. “First the Left did not listen to you and then the TMC also ignored you. They were busy looting the land of the poor. Therefore, when you gave me the opportunity I gave back all those facilities to you,” he said. 

“TMC government gives money to people chosen by extortionists. It does not affect the TMC when the people are suffering. The entire country is discussing what TMC leaders did to the Dalit and Adivasi women of Sandeshkhali. Atrocities against women and looting the poor is what TMC does,” he added.

PM Shri @narendramodi addresses a public meeting in Siliguri, West Bengal. #BanglaChaicheModiThak https://t.co/DZLyCUyLQ6

— BJP (@BJP4India) March 9, 2024

Taking a dig at the previous governments at the Centre, PM Modi said even after India attained independence, the eastern part of the country remained in the blind spot of the Centre. “There was a time when the trains entered northeast the speed used to reduce. But the effort of our government is to increase the speed of trains in North Bengal in the same way as it is being increased in the entire country. After independence for a long time, the development of eastern India was ignored. But our government considers northeast as the growth engine of the country. Central government is doing its best for the development of West Bengal,” PM Modi said.   

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“The benefits of the electrification process here will be reaped by the people of Bihar too. The strengthening of the railway infrastructure will drive growth and enhance the standard of living for the people. We now have train services from Bengal to Bangladesh. Cooperating with the Bangladesh government, we are bridging the gap between two nations,” PM Modi said. 

Hailing the initiative as a step towards ‘Viksit Bengal’, PM Modi said, “I am happy to come to North Bengal, which is famous for its tea. Many projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and foundation stones have been laid here today. This is an important step towards a ‘Viksit Bengal’. North Bengal is a gateway to the Northeast (India) and it provides business routes with foreign countries.” 

Among the noteworthy ventures dedicated to the nation by PM Modi are multiple electrification projects aimed at boosting rail connectivity and benefiting the people of North Bengal and its surrounding areas. These projects encompass various sections such as Eklakhi – Balurghat, Barsoi – Radhikapur, Raninagar Jalpaiguri – Haldibari, Siliguri – Aluabari via Bagdogra, and Siliguri – Sivok – Alipurduar Jn – Samuktala (inclusive of Alipurduar Jn – New Cooch Behar).

Additionally, PM Modi also unveiled railway projects, including the doubling of the railway line in the Manigram – Nimtita section, and the implementation of automatic block signalling in Ambari Falakata – Aluabari, alongside electronic interlocking in New Jalpaiguri. Furthermore, he flagged off a new passenger train service connecting Siliguri and Radhikapur.

These initiatives are poised to bolster rail connectivity, streamline freight movement, and boost employment opportunities and economic growth in the region.

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In a bid to fortify the state’s road infrastructure, PM Modi inaugurated two National Highway projects valued at Rs 3,100 crores. These projects entail the four-lane expansion of the Ghospukur – Dhupguri Section of NH 27 and the construction of a four-lane Islampur Bypass on NH 27. The Ghospukur – Dhupguri section forms a crucial part of the North-South transport corridor, facilitating seamless connectivity between Eastern India and the rest of the country.

Moreover, the four-lane Islampur Bypass is expected to alleviate the traffic congestion in Islampur town.

Notably, this marks PM Modi’s third visit to the state within the month. In his previous visits, the Prime Minister traversed various districts in southern West Bengal, including Hooghly, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas, regions considered strongholds of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).