Katwa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday intensified the BJP’s campaign in poll-bound West Bengal by focusing on infiltration and welfare issues, promising quicker implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act if the party forms the next government.

Addressing a rally in Katwa, Modi said the BJP introduced the Citizenship Amendment Act to provide citizenship to refugees and accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of creating fear among eligible communities.

He specifically assured Matua community and Namasudra community refugee families that they were protected under the Constitution. Modi said that once a BJP government is elected in the state, citizenship applications under the CAA would be processed faster for all eligible people.

The statement carries significance in Bengal politics, where the Matua community holds electoral influence in several districts of south Bengal and citizenship remains a major political issue.

Sharpening his attack on illegal immigration, Modi said infiltrators would have to leave the state after the BJP comes to power. He also warned that those assisting them would face action.

Criticising Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government, Modi alleged that 15 years of Trinamool rule had created fear among the people of Bengal. He appealed for a state free from fear and built on trust under BJP governance.

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Assembly elections for the 294-seat West Bengal Legislative Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.