Kolkata, April 5 (NationPress) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan asserted on Sunday that West Bengal is progressively drifting away from constitutional governance, indicating that the state has become increasingly unsafe under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, using the recent Malda incident as a reference point.

This statement arises amidst escalating political tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party as the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections approach, set for April 23 and 29.

BJP representatives contend that the citizens of West Bengal are "tired" of what they label as the mismanagement of the Trinamool Congress and are looking for a change, emphasizing that support for their party is on the rise throughout Bengal.

Upon arriving in Jhargram, Pradhan reaffirmed his party's conviction, noting that the current political scenario suggests the establishment of a "double-engine" government in the state.

Addressing the media, Pradhan remarked, "Bengal is steadily losing its constitutional framework. Chief Minister Mamata, who bears the weight of governance, no longer has a clear agenda to ensure effective governance for the populace. This approach, which seeks to instill fear and intimidation among various community segments, stands in stark contrast to the Constitution."

He referred to a troubling occurrence in Malda, where judicial officials assigned to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were reportedly surrounded and assaulted by a mob, labeling it an "illustration" of the declining law and order situation.

"The Malda incident exemplifies this reality. The situation escalated to the extent that the Supreme Court had to intervene, leading to the deployment of the Army. Such events do not transpire in states where law and order are maintained. Bengal is not secure under Mamata Banerjee," he asserted.

Pradhan went on to state that over the last decade, the BJP has emerged as a formidable political entity in West Bengal, citing their success in previous elections.

"The BJP has secured numerous Lok Sabha seats within the state and has also risen as the leading opposition party in the last Assembly term. This time, the populace of Bengal is determined to foster a double-engine government in the state," he commented.

Additionally, regarding the National Education Policy 2020, the Union Education Minister addressed criticisms related to the policy, claiming that the opposition to it is unfounded.

"The NEP 2020 clearly states that education during the foundational years will be provided in the mother tongue. In Bengal, this will occur in Bengali; in Tamil Nadu, it will be in Tamil. Those who oppose the NEP are attempting to create fear and confusion within society for political motives, but their efforts will not prevail," he concluded.