Mamata Banerjee Critiques Modi's Inaction on Threat from Pakistan Minister
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, April 6 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his conspicuous silence during his election campaign rally in Cooch Behar on Sunday. She pointedly addressed the alarming threat from Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who declared that Pakistan would respond with a strike on Kolkata if India attempted a false-flag operation against them in the future.
"It is unacceptable for a Pakistani official to threaten Kolkata. Why did the Prime Minister remain mute on this matter during his visit? What actions will be taken against such threats?" Banerjee questioned during her rally in Nadia district on Monday, ahead of the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in the state.
She further urged for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the threats. "If such statements are made about Kolkata, we will not stand for it," she asserted.
On another note, the Chief Minister warned her party members about potential misinformation during the counting day on May 4. She advised them not to be disheartened by early projections that may suggest a lead for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in various constituencies.
“They will attempt to portray their candidates as frontrunners in the morning. But stay focused till the end. We will emerge victorious. Do not leave the counting centers until the process concludes,” she emphasized.
In her address, Banerjee also criticized the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Praveen Kumar, for suggesting that women would be frisked. "This is not permissible. First, voters must cast their ballots. Only after that should other actions be considered. If any electronic voting machines malfunction, demand a replacement instead of a repair," she stated.
Additionally, she called upon women to take to the streets with any means necessary to ensure that legitimate voters can access polling stations without hindrance.
Moreover, Banerjee claimed to possess credible evidence of illicit funds and narcotics being transported into West Bengal from neighboring states in the lead-up to the elections. "We have substantial proof and will release videos at the appropriate time," she concluded.