In this segment of 'India Election Watch' We Decodes Pragya Thakur's ''Godse is Patriot'' statement with Mr. Arun Anand, Senior Journalist; Mr. K. Dakshinamurty, Senior Journalist & Mr. Lord Meghnad Desai, Author & Professor Emeritus at LSE. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Decodes Pragya Thakur's ''Godse is Patriot'' statement With Some Experts

Today Priyanka Gandhi said that World's biggest actor is Prime Minister. Priyanka Gandhi campaigns in Uttar Pradesh today. BJP leaders also assured to return with greater margins. Watch this video to know more. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Final Day of Campaign

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know how BJP's Pragya Thakur sparks trouble for her own party. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: BJP's Pragya Thakur Sparks Trouble For Party

Complete press conference of BJP & Congress: Rahul Gandhi slammed PM Modi where PM Modi said people have decided BJP is winning. Watch this video to know more.

BJP, Congress PC: Rahul Slams PM Modi; PM Modi Says People Have Decided BJP Is Winning

As campaigning ended&nbsp;in the Lok Sabha polls, Zee Bangla caught up with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-got-a-sense-that-a-majority-government-will-come-to-power-again-pm-modi-in-joint-press-conference-with-amit-shah-219416">PM Modi for a quick chat</a> on the last leg of the campaign trail in West Bengal to understand his mission in the state, the poll violence which has hit the headlines in the past month and BJP's vision in the 2021 assembly elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cctv-footage-of-vandalisation-of-ishwar-chandra-vidyasagars-statute-should-be-released-pm-modi-219213">Also Watch:&nbsp;CCTV footage of vandalisation of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue should be released, says&nbsp;PM Modi</a>

Q: You have undertaken seventeen rallies in West Bengal which has been unprecedented for an Indian prime minister. What was your aim?

A:&nbsp;When the people of this country gives us a task, they don't&nbsp;give us to sit in Delhi and enjoy ourselves. As the country's prime minister&nbsp;it is my responsibility to visit all parts of the country and meet the people, it is part of my job. You would have seen since 2014, not a single Friday, Saturday or Sunday has gone by when I haven't visited some part of the country.

I am a man of the people and I like interacting with the people, this is the reason I came here. Secondly, my other idea was to thank the people of this country because for five years this country cooperated with me, they gave me their love and confidence, so it was obvious lakhs of people would meet me.

I have enjoyed a special relationship with West Bengal. In the beginning of my life, the Ram Krishna mission played a big role, so obviously, I like coming here and taking inspiration from the great people of the state. The people of the state give me strength.

Q: A lot of BJP workers have complained about pre-poll and post-poll violence, although they have complained to the Election Commission but for you and the BJP how difficult has it been for you to campaign here?

A: The question is not the BJP or no BJP, it is the fear of defeat which is driving the TMC.&nbsp;The TMC, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and those close to her are so fearful that they have lost their balance and made the people of West Bengal their enemy. Now they have started attacking the people of the state. Whatever is happening in Bengal is the battle between the people of the state and the government. The people who are being killed are the kids of Bengal and who is killing them? They belong to the government.&nbsp;

Secondly, this did not just happen during the Lok Sabha elections. During the panchayat polls, the people had to go to the court just to get their nomination. In the panchayat polls,&nbsp;there was widespread violence, those who won the polls their houses were burnt. This undemocratic attitude is a matter of concern for the country.

Q: In all the rallies you have confidently said that BJP is coming back to power. In West Bengal, there will be&nbsp;assembly polls in 2021. Do you have a strategy for West Bengal and also do you have a vision for the state?

A: The entire country needs to be developed, in the western part of India whether it is Maharashtra, Punjab or Goa, the economic activity can be seen. Then you see Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, the north-east, this region has no dearth of natural resources. There are talented people in this region but there is a great deal of poverty. My thinking is that if India needs to be developed than every region needs to be looked at in a balanced way.&nbsp;

The way the western region has developed, we need to bring the eastern region in sync with the western part of the country. This is the only way in which India will become a $5 trillion economy, then we can jump from No-6 position in the world to No-3 in the world. So I have a vision for the entire eastern region.

Kolkata can become the growth hub of the entire country, there is so much strength. However, in the last 40 years, we have destroyed everything. We need to bring back development.&nbsp;

As campaigning ended in the Lok Sabha polls, Zee Bangla caught up with PM Modi for a quick chat on the last leg of the campaign trail in West Bengal to understand his mission in the state, the poll violence which has hit the headlines in the past month and BJP's vision in the 2021 assembly elections.

As campaigning ended in the Lok Sabha polls, Zee Bangla caught up with PM Modi for a quick chat on the last leg of the campaign trail in West Bengal to understand his mission in the state, the poll violence which has hit the headlines in the past month and BJP's vision in the 2021 assembly elections. Also Watch: CCTV footage of vandalisation of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue should be released, says PM Modi Q: You have undertaken seventeen rallies in West Bengal which has been unprecedented for an Indian prime minister. What was your aim? A: When the people of this country gives us a task, they don't give us to sit in Delhi and enjoy ourselves. As the country's prime minister it is my responsibility to visit all parts of the country and meet the people, it is part of my job. You would have seen since 2014, not a single Friday, Saturday or Sunday has gone by when I haven't visited some part of the country. I am a man of the people and I like interacting with the people, this is the reason I came here. Secondly, my other idea was to thank the people of this country because for five years this country cooperated with me, they gave me their love and confidence, so it was obvious lakhs of people would meet me. I have enjoyed a special relationship with West Bengal. In the beginning of my life, the Ram Krishna mission played a big role, so obviously, I like coming here and taking inspiration from the great people of the state. The people of the state give me strength. Q: A lot of BJP workers have complained about pre-poll and post-poll violence, although they have complained to the Election Commission but for you and the BJP how difficult has it been for you to campaign here? A: The question is not the BJP or no BJP, it is the fear of defeat which is driving the TMC. The TMC, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and those close to her are so fearful that they have lost their balance and made the people of West Bengal their enemy. Now they have started attacking the people of the state. Whatever is happening in Bengal is the battle between the people of the state and the government. The people who are being killed are the kids of Bengal and who is killing them? They belong to the government. Secondly, this did not just happen during the Lok Sabha elections. During the panchayat polls, the people had to go to the court just to get their nomination. In the panchayat polls, there was widespread violence, those who won the polls their houses were burnt. This undemocratic attitude is a matter of concern for the country. Q: In all the rallies you have confidently said that BJP is coming back to power. In West Bengal, there will be assembly polls in 2021. Do you have a strategy for West Bengal and also do you have a vision for the state? A: The entire country needs to be developed, in the western part of India whether it is Maharashtra, Punjab or Goa, the economic activity can be seen. Then you see Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, the north-east, this region has no dearth of natural resources. There are talented people in this region but there is a great deal of poverty. My thinking is that if India needs to be developed than every region needs to be looked at in a balanced way. The way the western region has developed, we need to bring the eastern region in sync with the western part of the country. This is the only way in which India will become a $5 trillion economy, then we can jump from No-6 position in the world to No-3 in the world. So I have a vision for the entire eastern region. Kolkata can become the growth hub of the entire country, there is so much strength. However, in the last 40 years, we have destroyed everything. We need to bring back development.

TMC, West Bengal CM and those close to her have lost their balance: PM Modi

"The people of the country have decided that our government will be formed. I hope that the new government will start functioning at the earliest," PM Narendra Modi said.

BJP Press Conference: PM Modi Speaks On Election Campaign

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending first press conference accompanied by BJP president Amit Shah just days before polling for Lok Sabha election 2019 ended.

Congress Press Conference: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi exclusively talks to Zee Media. During the interview PM Modi said that he have special connection with the people of West Bengal. Watch video to know more.

Exclusive: PM Modi speaks on Bengal Violence

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying).

Talking to media in Vadodara, he also said people of West Bengal would give a fitting reply to Mamata and her party, All India Trinamool Congress.

"It seems that Didi (Mamata) has completely lost her mental balance. She is losing her ground. She tarnished the democracy and indulged in 'didigiri' (similar to Hindi word 'dadagiri', meaning bullying)," Rupani told reporters.

"People of India and West Bengal will not tolerate such behaviour. People of West Bengal will give a befitting reply to her in the polls," he said.

During the last phase of campaigning, there was a pitched battle between BJP and TMC in West Bengal. Clashes broke our during Shah's roadshow on Wednesday.

A statue of social reformer Ishwarchandra Vidhyasagar was vandalised, for which both the parties are blaming each other.&nbsp;

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying).

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence at BJP chief Amit Shah's Kolkata road-show, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Friday said she had lost her mental balance and was indulging in 'didigiri' (bullying). Talking to media in Vadodara, he also said people of West Bengal would give a fitting reply to Mamata and her party, All India Trinamool Congress. "It seems that Didi (Mamata) has completely lost her mental balance. She is losing her ground. She tarnished the democracy and indulged in 'didigiri' (similar to Hindi word 'dadagiri', meaning bullying)," Rupani told reporters. "People of India and West Bengal will not tolerate such behaviour. People of West Bengal will give a befitting reply to her in the polls," he said. During the last phase of campaigning, there was a pitched battle between BJP and TMC in West Bengal. Clashes broke our during Shah's roadshow on Wednesday. A statue of social reformer Ishwarchandra Vidhyasagar was vandalised, for which both the parties are blaming each other.

Mamata doing 'didigiri', lost her mental balance: Vijay Rupani

West Bengal has become the final battleground in the showdown between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the opposition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an election rally on Friday promised to rebuild Vidyasagar statue which was vandalized during BJP President Amit Shah’s roadshow in Kolkata. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi promises to rebuild Vidyasagar statue

Watch 'India Election Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch; 15th May, 2019

India Election Watch; 16th May, 2019

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know how the Bengal battle is posed 'India Election Watch' is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch: How the Bengal battle is posed

A roadshow of BJP national president Amit Shah was attacked in Kolkata. &nbsp;Priyanka Sharma, an activist of BJP’s youth wing, is arrested in Kolkata for making a meme of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Journalists are heckled during election coverage in Asansol and the body of an opposition party activist is found hanging from a tree in Midnapore.

These are only some of the many incidents that signal that all is not well with democracy in the Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal. The ‘Mamata model of politics’, it seems, has no room for opposition, media and free speech.

An Election Commission observer in West Bengal, Ajay Nayak, has said on record that the situation in Bengal is worse than what it was in Bihar 15 years ago. He suggested that more central forces were required in the state to ensure free and fair elections.

Over the last few phases of the general elections, more central forces have been deployed in the state, but with their presence restricted to polling booths. With the state police remaining truculent, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) activists are on the rampage.&nbsp;

Polling officers — usually state government employees — fear the wrath of the Mamata government if they don’t act in favour of her party.&nbsp;

Several videos have surfaced where TMC activists are seen casting votes under the pretext of helping voters, with the polling officers looking on sheepishly.

Mamata has gone on record saying that she will have her revenge inch-by-inch after the elections. Terrified, helpless and cheated by the current TMC government, the voters are silent. But, masked in their silence, a greater change is afoot. Opposition parties have accused the TMC of giving shelter to anarchist elements and using foul means to garner votes.&nbsp;

The BJP has emerged as the principal opposition party after the panchayat elections and most activists who have bled in the wake of political violence are from the BJP.&nbsp;

A few months ago in the panchayat elections, too, the TMC had created a similar environment of terror. So much so that the high court had to allow opposition candidates to file nomination via email and WhatsApp, as they could not make it to the nomination centres in the wake of violence unleashed by TMC activists.&nbsp;

Opposition candidates, who eventually won the panchayat election, could not return home fearing violence. More than 50 BJP activists lost their lives during these panchayat elections.

This environment of political violence unfolding in Bengal is a legacy of the Left Front government that ruled the state for 34 years and which Mamata had opposed and uprooted.&nbsp;

In 2011, the Mamata government was formed with the slogan of ‘ma, mati, manush’ (mother, motherland, people). At that time Mamata stood for the farmers of Nandigram and Singur, where the CPM-led Left Front had used violence to suppress voices.&nbsp;

Today, Mamata’s line of political thought panders to the state’s nearly 30 per cent Muslim population, of which many are illegal Bangladeshis.&nbsp;

Therefore, it stems from this that in a matriarchal society like Bengal, there were reports of Kali Pooja, Durga Pooja and Saraswati Pooja being stalled to respect the sentiments of a community.&nbsp;

In 2017, Durga idol immersion was stalled for two days by the administration on account of Muharram. Last year, processions on Hanuman Jayanti were stopped and vandalised as the police stood mute witness.

What started with ‘ma, mati, manush’ in 2008-2009 has now clearly been reduced to ‘Mamata, Muslims and Muharram’, with Hindus and their symbols becoming soft targets and Muslim appeasement politics touching a new low.

It is clear Mamata has chosen her politics to garner Muslim support. On several occasions, she has spoken in favour of illegal Bangladeshi migrants too. In the ongoing general elections, Bangladeshi actors were called in to campaign for TMC candidates.&nbsp;

Today, appeasement, extortion and illegal migration have emerged as the most important issues that have left an average Bengali troubled. Ranging from the Bhadralok of Kolkata to the rural population of Midnapore – the disquiet over TMC’s strong arm appeasement, extortion and support of illegal migrants is palpable.&nbsp;

The weakened Congress and the CPM are in no position to offer an alternative to TMC’s politics. As a result, a large section of voters are now looking to BJP for help and support. This was why the BJP won several seats in the Bengal panchayat election.&nbsp;

Instead of countering allegations, Mamata has gone further into the deep end by using the power at her disposal to silence resistance.&nbsp;

Little does she realise that by not allowing the helicopters of Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath to land for political rallies, she’s only validating their claim on the electorate.

Earlier this month, when a group of youth chanted ‘Joy Shri Ram’ (read Jai Shri Ram) as Mamata’s cavalcade passed by, the CM lost her cool. She stopped her vehicle and threatened them with dire consequences.&nbsp;

The events of the last few years have created a background and environment where people are fed up with the Mamata administration and for them, the enchanting of ‘Joy Shri Ram’ has emerged as a slogan of resistance against the Trinamool model of politics where there is no space and scope for other voices.

The land of Aurobindo, Vivekanand, Subhash Bose and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee will not tolerate this.&nbsp;

&nbsp;(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-tmc-the-land-of-holy-terror-2749609">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A roadshow of BJP national president Amit Shah was attacked in Kolkata. Priyanka Sharma, an activist of BJP’s youth wing, is arrested in Kolkata for making a meme of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

A roadshow of BJP national president Amit Shah was attacked in Kolkata. Priyanka Sharma, an activist of BJP’s youth wing, is arrested in Kolkata for making a meme of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Journalists are heckled during election coverage in Asansol and the body of an opposition party activist is found hanging from a tree in Midnapore. These are only some of the many incidents that signal that all is not well with democracy in the Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal. The ‘Mamata model of politics’, it seems, has no room for opposition, media and free speech. An Election Commission observer in West Bengal, Ajay Nayak, has said on record that the situation in Bengal is worse than what it was in Bihar 15 years ago. He suggested that more central forces were required in the state to ensure free and fair elections. Over the last few phases of the general elections, more central forces have been deployed in the state, but with their presence restricted to polling booths. With the state police remaining truculent, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) activists are on the rampage. Polling officers — usually state government employees — fear the wrath of the Mamata government if they don’t act in favour of her party. Several videos have surfaced where TMC activists are seen casting votes under the pretext of helping voters, with the polling officers looking on sheepishly. Mamata has gone on record saying that she will have her revenge inch-by-inch after the elections. Terrified, helpless and cheated by the current TMC government, the voters are silent. But, masked in their silence, a greater change is afoot. Opposition parties have accused the TMC of giving shelter to anarchist elements and using foul means to garner votes. The BJP has emerged as the principal opposition party after the panchayat elections and most activists who have bled in the wake of political violence are from the BJP. A few months ago in the panchayat elections, too, the TMC had created a similar environment of terror. So much so that the high court had to allow opposition candidates to file nomination via email and WhatsApp, as they could not make it to the nomination centres in the wake of violence unleashed by TMC activists. Opposition candidates, who eventually won the panchayat election, could not return home fearing violence. More than 50 BJP activists lost their lives during these panchayat elections. This environment of political violence unfolding in Bengal is a legacy of the Left Front government that ruled the state for 34 years and which Mamata had opposed and uprooted. In 2011, the Mamata government was formed with the slogan of ‘ma, mati, manush’ (mother, motherland, people). At that time Mamata stood for the farmers of Nandigram and Singur, where the CPM-led Left Front had used violence to suppress voices. Today, Mamata’s line of political thought panders to the state’s nearly 30 per cent Muslim population, of which many are illegal Bangladeshis. Therefore, it stems from this that in a matriarchal society like Bengal, there were reports of Kali Pooja, Durga Pooja and Saraswati Pooja being stalled to respect the sentiments of a community. In 2017, Durga idol immersion was stalled for two days by the administration on account of Muharram. Last year, processions on Hanuman Jayanti were stopped and vandalised as the police stood mute witness. What started with ‘ma, mati, manush’ in 2008-2009 has now clearly been reduced to ‘Mamata, Muslims and Muharram’, with Hindus and their symbols becoming soft targets and Muslim appeasement politics touching a new low. It is clear Mamata has chosen her politics to garner Muslim support. On several occasions, she has spoken in favour of illegal Bangladeshi migrants too. In the ongoing general elections, Bangladeshi actors were called in to campaign for TMC candidates. Today, appeasement, extortion and illegal migration have emerged as the most important issues that have left an average Bengali troubled. Ranging from the Bhadralok of Kolkata to the rural population of Midnapore – the disquiet over TMC’s strong arm appeasement, extortion and support of illegal migrants is palpable. The weakened Congress and the CPM are in no position to offer an alternative to TMC’s politics. As a result, a large section of voters are now looking to BJP for help and support. This was why the BJP won several seats in the Bengal panchayat election. Instead of countering allegations, Mamata has gone further into the deep end by using the power at her disposal to silence resistance. Little does she realise that by not allowing the helicopters of Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath to land for political rallies, she’s only validating their claim on the electorate. Earlier this month, when a group of youth chanted ‘Joy Shri Ram’ (read Jai Shri Ram) as Mamata’s cavalcade passed by, the CM lost her cool. She stopped her vehicle and threatened them with dire consequences. The events of the last few years have created a background and environment where people are fed up with the Mamata administration and for them, the enchanting of ‘Joy Shri Ram’ has emerged as a slogan of resistance against the Trinamool model of politics where there is no space and scope for other voices. The land of Aurobindo, Vivekanand, Subhash Bose and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee will not tolerate this. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

‘Mamata model of politics’ has no room for opposition and free speech

Day after brazen vandalism took place on the streets of Kolkata during Amit Shah's rally where even Vidyasagar's statue was not spared, Election Commission has cracked the whip. In a press conference the EC has curtailed the campaigning time in West Bengal for one day. Watch this video to know more.

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: EC curtails campaigning in West Bengal

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know The story of Vidyasagar. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: The story of Vidyasagar

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his campaigns. Watch this video to know more. 'India Election Watch' is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch: A confident Modi campaigns in 3 states

On Monday, the government had withheld landing permission for Amit Shah's chopper and withdrew permission for one of his three rallies. "I'm going to West Bengal for rally in Dum Dum. Let us see if Didi allows it. If she has her way, she will not allow my helicopter to land," the Prime Minister said.

IEW: PM Modi takes on 'DIDI' in her backyard

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, engaged in a pitched battle with Mamata Banerjee over violence at Amit Shah's rally, taunted the Bengal Chief Minister today, saying he wanted to see if she would allow his rally in Kolkata today

IEW: The final showdown in West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday claimed that the West Bengal Police, in connivance with the state government, was trying to wipe out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-take-revenge-for-vandalisation-of-vidyasagars-statue-mamata-banerjee-219188">evidence of the desecration of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue</a>.

Addressing a rally here, Modi said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, "frustrated over her imminent defeat", has threatened to put him behind bars after the general elections.

"TMC goons are spreading violence, and they vandalised the statue of Vidyasagar. The way the state government erased proof of the Narada and Sarada scams, in the same manner, it is trying to remove evidence in this incident," he said.

Those involved in the act of vandalising the statue should be given exemplary punishment, the PM insisted.

Police officers are trying to wipe out the evidence of the incident in order to save the TMC goons, Modi alleged.

"The TMC and their goons have made Bengal a hell. Those involved in this act, in this sin should be given strong punishment," he said.

Kolkata witnessed widespread violence on Tuesday at BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in the city. A bust of 19th century Bengali reformer and polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was desecrated during clashes.

"Didi has lost her cool in the face of imminent defeat and has become frustrated, and is now threatening to put me behind bars," Modi said.

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Taking a dig at Banerjee's nephew, Abhishek, the prime minister said the "aunt-nephew 'jodi' is only interested in looting Bengal and running the 'tolabaji' syndicate (extortion racket)".

The days of the 'bua-bhatija' (aunt-nephew) government in the state are numbered going by the mood of the people, Modi said, adding, the BJP will win the majority of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and over 300 seats in the country.

Abhishek Banerjee, who is considered the number two in the TMC, is seeking re-election from the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat.

"Democracy has been maligned by violence in Bengal. The TMC has problem with Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja and even chanting 'Jai Shree Ram' is a crime in Bengal," the PM said.

It is the BJP which is fighting to restore democracy in Bengal, Modi asserted and claimed that the chief minister had even threatened to capture its party offices in the state, he said.

"You and your party are now known for grabbing land. Because of this, people have lost confidence in you and have made up their mind to defeat you," Modi said.

Dubbing Banerjee as "sticker Didi", Modi said she is not interested in the development of Bengal, but keen on putting her own stickers on central projects. 
He said the TMC supremo does not have faith in the country's prime minister, but she doesn't hesitate from praising the prime minister of Pakistan.

In an apparent reference to the recent arrest of BJP youth wing activist Priyanka Sharma, who walked out of jail on Wednesday after being arrested for posting a morphed picture of Banerjee on Facebook, Modi said she puts saffron party workers behind bars, but lets TMC goons out in the open to "torture the masses".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday claimed that the West Bengal Police, in connivance with the state government, was trying to wipe out evidence of the desecration of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday claimed that the West Bengal Police, in connivance with the state government, was trying to wipe out evidence of the desecration of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue. Addressing a rally here, Modi said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, "frustrated over her imminent defeat", has threatened to put him behind bars after the general elections. "TMC goons are spreading violence, and they vandalised the statue of Vidyasagar. The way the state government erased proof of the Narada and Sarada scams, in the same manner, it is trying to remove evidence in this incident," he said. Those involved in the act of vandalising the statue should be given exemplary punishment, the PM insisted. Police officers are trying to wipe out the evidence of the incident in order to save the TMC goons, Modi alleged. "The TMC and their goons have made Bengal a hell. Those involved in this act, in this sin should be given strong punishment," he said. Kolkata witnessed widespread violence on Tuesday at BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in the city. A bust of 19th century Bengali reformer and polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was desecrated during clashes. "Didi has lost her cool in the face of imminent defeat and has become frustrated, and is now threatening to put me behind bars," Modi said. × Taking a dig at Banerjee's nephew, Abhishek, the prime minister said the "aunt-nephew 'jodi' is only interested in looting Bengal and running the 'tolabaji' syndicate (extortion racket)". The days of the 'bua-bhatija' (aunt-nephew) government in the state are numbered going by the mood of the people, Modi said, adding, the BJP will win the majority of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state and over 300 seats in the country. Abhishek Banerjee, who is considered the number two in the TMC, is seeking re-election from the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat. "Democracy has been maligned by violence in Bengal. The TMC has problem with Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja and even chanting 'Jai Shree Ram' is a crime in Bengal," the PM said. It is the BJP which is fighting to restore democracy in Bengal, Modi asserted and claimed that the chief minister had even threatened to capture its party offices in the state, he said. "You and your party are now known for grabbing land. Because of this, people have lost confidence in you and have made up their mind to defeat you," Modi said. Dubbing Banerjee as "sticker Didi", Modi said she is not interested in the development of Bengal, but keen on putting her own stickers on central projects. He said the TMC supremo does not have faith in the country's prime minister, but she doesn't hesitate from praising the prime minister of Pakistan. In an apparent reference to the recent arrest of BJP youth wing activist Priyanka Sharma, who walked out of jail on Wednesday after being arrested for posting a morphed picture of Banerjee on Facebook, Modi said she puts saffron party workers behind bars, but lets TMC goons out in the open to "torture the masses".

Police trying to wipe out evidence of statue desecration: Modi

PM Modi addressed his final rally in West Bengal's Mathurapur on Thursday even as the bitter clash between the BJP and TMC kept rumbling in the background as chief minister Mamata Banerjee held a roadshow attacking the BJP.

The Election Commission(EC) on Wednesday had banned campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies in the Lok Sabha elections from 10 pm on Thursday night in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-trying-to-wipe-out-evidence-of-statue-desecration-modi-219198"> aftermath of the violence</a> which occurred during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow&nbsp;in West Bengal.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

PM Modi speaking exclusively to Zee in Uttar Pradesh, emphatically demanded that the CCTV footage of vandalisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-take-revenge-for-vandalisation-of-vidyasagars-statue-mamata-banerjee-219188">Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's </a>statue&nbsp;should be made public. The PM asserted that the TMC wants to win the elections by "trampling democracy".&nbsp;

"Those who are neutral and not supporting us have also demanded that CCTV footage of the destruction of the statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar should be made public."&nbsp;

"About violence in West Bengal, there were panchayat elections in J&amp;K and also in Bengal, although it was peaceful in J&amp;K but in West Bengal, several people were killed, houses were burnt and polling booths were looted," he said.

"The candidates just to get their nomination had to go to court and take permission. There was so much violence which the country had witnessed at that time," the prime minister said on West Bengal.

"Even before the elections were announced, leaders from the BJP were prevented from landing there, not just this even the prime minister's meetings were targeted."

"The local administration, TMC goons and the West Bengal government have joined together and have been trying to trample democracy in order to win the polls but the people will not bow down to this kind of politics."

"It was quite apparent that Durga puja celebrations were stopped, Kali puja celebrations were also a concern which was done primarily for vote bank politics in West Bengal."

"It has been happening repeatedly," the prime minister said.

"My detractors have nothing to say so they are resorting to abusing me and taking out their frustration but I don't want to waste my time," he said. "I want to do good things to the streets, good things to this country and the villages so I really don't think about it."

"It is not a question of my toughness, the people of this country have given me their love and confidence. I also expect myself to be able to deliver results. I need to meet the expectations of the people and I am working hard towards it."

"The fact is the Opposition has called my name so many times that it has become a poll issue and the people have also liked my work, so both the Opposition and the people are saying Modi, Modi, Modi but as far as I am concerned I would say that I am just a normal human being, I only want to do things for the people."

With SP and BSP combining to pressure the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, the PM said: "Most parties and political pundits who call themselves neutral are still affected by the 20th century, they are not ready to understand the 21st century, in 2019, the results in Uttar Pradesh will force them to change their theory."

"The unique thing about this election is that all the slogans have come from the people." "Only Modi will come, when I heard it, I was surprised, there are so many slogans floating around which shows their love."

The prime minister said the BJP will win more seats than 2014.

"The BJP will win more seats than 2014 and West Bengal has become so attached that it will help the BJP alone to cross 300 seats."

"Both the BJP and NDA will increase their tally, their strength, we will also win from new places and we will work for the country," the prime minister stressed.

"In this election, there is a pro-incumbency wave, the people are fighting this election," he said. "The country is far ahead of parties and politicians."

PM Modi addressed his final rally in West Bengal's Mathurapur on Thursday even as the bitter clash between the BJP and TMC kept rumbling in the background as chief minister Mamata Banerjee held a roadshow attacking the BJP.

PM Modi addressed his final rally in West Bengal's Mathurapur on Thursday even as the bitter clash between the BJP and TMC kept rumbling in the background as chief minister Mamata Banerjee held a roadshow attacking the BJP. The Election Commission(EC) on Wednesday had banned campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies in the Lok Sabha elections from 10 pm on Thursday night in the aftermath of the violence which occurred during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow in West Bengal. PM Modi speaking exclusively to Zee in Uttar Pradesh, emphatically demanded that the CCTV footage of vandalisation of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue should be made public. The PM asserted that the TMC wants to win the elections by "trampling democracy". "Those who are neutral and not supporting us have also demanded that CCTV footage of the destruction of the statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar should be made public." "About violence in West Bengal, there were panchayat elections in J&K and also in Bengal, although it was peaceful in J&K but in West Bengal, several people were killed, houses were burnt and polling booths were looted," he said. "The candidates just to get their nomination had to go to court and take permission. There was so much violence which the country had witnessed at that time," the prime minister said on West Bengal. "Even before the elections were announced, leaders from the BJP were prevented from landing there, not just this even the prime minister's meetings were targeted." "The local administration, TMC goons and the West Bengal government have joined together and have been trying to trample democracy in order to win the polls but the people will not bow down to this kind of politics." "It was quite apparent that Durga puja celebrations were stopped, Kali puja celebrations were also a concern which was done primarily for vote bank politics in West Bengal." "It has been happening repeatedly," the prime minister said. "My detractors have nothing to say so they are resorting to abusing me and taking out their frustration but I don't want to waste my time," he said. "I want to do good things to the streets, good things to this country and the villages so I really don't think about it." "It is not a question of my toughness, the people of this country have given me their love and confidence. I also expect myself to be able to deliver results. I need to meet the expectations of the people and I am working hard towards it." "The fact is the Opposition has called my name so many times that it has become a poll issue and the people have also liked my work, so both the Opposition and the people are saying Modi, Modi, Modi but as far as I am concerned I would say that I am just a normal human being, I only want to do things for the people." With SP and BSP combining to pressure the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, the PM said: "Most parties and political pundits who call themselves neutral are still affected by the 20th century, they are not ready to understand the 21st century, in 2019, the results in Uttar Pradesh will force them to change their theory." "The unique thing about this election is that all the slogans have come from the people." "Only Modi will come, when I heard it, I was surprised, there are so many slogans floating around which shows their love." The prime minister said the BJP will win more seats than 2014. "The BJP will win more seats than 2014 and West Bengal has become so attached that it will help the BJP alone to cross 300 seats." "Both the BJP and NDA will increase their tally, their strength, we will also win from new places and we will work for the country," the prime minister stressed. "In this election, there is a pro-incumbency wave, the people are fighting this election," he said. "The country is far ahead of parties and politicians."

CCTV footage of vandalisation of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue should be released: PM Modi

The war of words over the vandalisation of the bust of Bengal Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar escalated on Thursday with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a liar and rejecting his offer to build a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-goons-vandalised-vidyasagars-statue-committed-to-grand-statue-at-same-spot-pm-modi-219098">grand statue of the late social reformer</a>.

She asserted that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bengal-has-money-to-make-vidyasagars-statue-mamata-hits-back-at-modi-219155">West Bengal government had enough money to build it</a>.

She also said that she has never come across a prime minister who kept saying so many lies. Banerjee took a jibe at the BJP which she said could not build a Ram Temple in the last five years and now was making the promise of building a new statue of Vidyasagar, which was vandalised in clashes during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata earlier this week.

"In the last five years, you (Modi) could not build a Ram Temple and you want to make Vidyasagar's statue? People of Bengal won't beg before you. We have enough money to build it. Your goons came here and said 'Bengal kangal hai'. Are Bengalis kangal?" a vociferous TMC supremo said making a veiled reference to BJP President Amit Shah who had attacked Banerjee a couple of days.

Banerjee was addressing a public meeting while campaigning for her nephew and sitting MP Abhishek.

Earlier, addressing a meeting in the state Modi attacked the TMC and offered to build a grand statute of Vidyasagar.

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Scoffing at BJP over the promise of making Vidyasagar's statue, Banerjee said, "BJP goons broke Vidyasagar's statue because they did not know him. He has contributed a lot to our society. You (BJP) broke the statue and you are saying we will make another one. Will the old heritage return or what? We do not need your money."

In an unprecedented action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase of campaigning in West Bengal by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and TMC workers during Shah's roadshow in the state capital on Tuesday.

During the mayhem, Vidyasagar's bust was also vandalised at a college named after him. Since then, both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-tmc-row-heats-up-in-west-bengal-as-amit-shah-pm-modi-attack-mamata-219015">TMC and BJP have been trading accusations</a> against each other.

Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system.

Asking the crowd to say 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' (guard is the thief), Banerjee said, "You have to bid him (Modi) goodbye. First, he called himself a 'chaiwala', now he claims himself to be a 'chowkidar'."

"Will you vote for this 'chowkidar'? We will take revenge for the vandalisation of Vidyasagar's statue. The people of Bengal will give you a befitting reply," she added.

Launching a scathing attack on Modi, the TMC supremo claimed that she never saw a "liar" occupying the top post.

"I have never heard any Prime Minister telling so many lies. How on earth did he become the Prime Minister? He does not have any idea how to run the country," Banerjee said.

She claimed that she had video evidence of BJP supporters disguising themselves as CRPF personnel and threatening the people to vote for the saffron party.

"I have video evidence of BJP supporters wearing CRPF uniforms. They go to the polling booths and threaten people to vote for BJP. They even said that they will change the EVMs in the middle of the night. But we will not keep quiet, we will fight," Banerjee said.

Snapping back at BJP over their claims that the state's democracy is under attack, the TMC supremo said, "Modi babu is so scared of Bengal. Just see, he is so scared of TMC."

Urging the people to vote in huge numbers to oust BJP, Banerjee asserted that the people of the country did not want the "dangerous" saffron party in power "anymore."

"On May 23, we will throw you out. You are here for just a few days only. Vote for TMC and defeat BJP. We do not want any more atrocities. The more quickly you will go, the better it would be," she said.

Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections. The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The war of words over the vandalisation of the bust of Bengal Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar escalated on Thursday with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a liar and rejecting his offer to build a grand statue of the late social reformer.

The war of words over the vandalisation of the bust of Bengal Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar escalated on Thursday with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a liar and rejecting his offer to build a grand statue of the late social reformer. She asserted that the West Bengal government had enough money to build it. She also said that she has never come across a prime minister who kept saying so many lies. Banerjee took a jibe at the BJP which she said could not build a Ram Temple in the last five years and now was making the promise of building a new statue of Vidyasagar, which was vandalised in clashes during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata earlier this week. "In the last five years, you (Modi) could not build a Ram Temple and you want to make Vidyasagar's statue? People of Bengal won't beg before you. We have enough money to build it. Your goons came here and said 'Bengal kangal hai'. Are Bengalis kangal?" a vociferous TMC supremo said making a veiled reference to BJP President Amit Shah who had attacked Banerjee a couple of days. Banerjee was addressing a public meeting while campaigning for her nephew and sitting MP Abhishek. Earlier, addressing a meeting in the state Modi attacked the TMC and offered to build a grand statute of Vidyasagar. × Scoffing at BJP over the promise of making Vidyasagar's statue, Banerjee said, "BJP goons broke Vidyasagar's statue because they did not know him. He has contributed a lot to our society. You (BJP) broke the statue and you are saying we will make another one. Will the old heritage return or what? We do not need your money." In an unprecedented action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase of campaigning in West Bengal by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and TMC workers during Shah's roadshow in the state capital on Tuesday. During the mayhem, Vidyasagar's bust was also vandalised at a college named after him. Since then, both TMC and BJP have been trading accusations against each other. Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system. Asking the crowd to say 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' (guard is the thief), Banerjee said, "You have to bid him (Modi) goodbye. First, he called himself a 'chaiwala', now he claims himself to be a 'chowkidar'." "Will you vote for this 'chowkidar'? We will take revenge for the vandalisation of Vidyasagar's statue. The people of Bengal will give you a befitting reply," she added. Launching a scathing attack on Modi, the TMC supremo claimed that she never saw a "liar" occupying the top post. "I have never heard any Prime Minister telling so many lies. How on earth did he become the Prime Minister? He does not have any idea how to run the country," Banerjee said. She claimed that she had video evidence of BJP supporters disguising themselves as CRPF personnel and threatening the people to vote for the saffron party. "I have video evidence of BJP supporters wearing CRPF uniforms. They go to the polling booths and threaten people to vote for BJP. They even said that they will change the EVMs in the middle of the night. But we will not keep quiet, we will fight," Banerjee said. Snapping back at BJP over their claims that the state's democracy is under attack, the TMC supremo said, "Modi babu is so scared of Bengal. Just see, he is so scared of TMC." Urging the people to vote in huge numbers to oust BJP, Banerjee asserted that the people of the country did not want the "dangerous" saffron party in power "anymore." "On May 23, we will throw you out. You are here for just a few days only. Vote for TMC and defeat BJP. We do not want any more atrocities. The more quickly you will go, the better it would be," she said. Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections. The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.

We will take revenge for vandalisation of Vidyasagar's statue: Mamata Banerjee

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-goons-vandalised-vidyasagars-statue-committed-to-grand-statue-at-same-spot-pm-modi-219098">grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot</a> where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage.

Terming him a "liar", the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-tmc-row-heats-up-in-west-bengal-as-amit-shah-pm-modi-attack-mamata-219015">Chief Minister urged Modi to prove allegations against TMC</a> of vandalising Vidyasagar's statue and threatened to drag him to the jail otherwise.

"He (PM) said he will make Vidyasagar statue. Bengal has money to make the statue. Can he give back the 200 years old heritage? We have proof and you say that TMC has done. Are not you ashamed? He should do sit-ups for lying so much. Liar. Prove allegations otherwise we will drag you to jail," Mamata lashed out.

Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system.

The TMC chief also came down heavily on the Election Commission over its unprecedented move of cutting the campaigning in the nine parliamentary constituencies of the state by a day.

Asserting that she is ready to go to prison for her remarks, Banerjee claimed that the poll body is BJP's "brother" and has been sold out to the party.

"Last night we came to know that BJP had filed a complaint with EC so that we cannot hold any meeting after Narendra Modi's meeting. The EC is the brother of BJP, earlier it was an impartial body now everyone in the country says EC has sold out to BJP. I feel sad but I do not have anything to say, I am ready to go to jail for saying this. I am not scared to say the truth," she said.

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Modi is also scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal's Mathurapur and Dum Dum Lok Sabha seats later in the day.

In an unprecedented move for India's electoral history, the poll commission on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase campaigning in the state by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers at BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow Kolkata on Tuesday.

During the mayhem, the bust Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised, both the TMC and BJP are trading blame over the matter.

Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections.

The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage.

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage. Terming him a "liar", the Chief Minister urged Modi to prove allegations against TMC of vandalising Vidyasagar's statue and threatened to drag him to the jail otherwise. "He (PM) said he will make Vidyasagar statue. Bengal has money to make the statue. Can he give back the 200 years old heritage? We have proof and you say that TMC has done. Are not you ashamed? He should do sit-ups for lying so much. Liar. Prove allegations otherwise we will drag you to jail," Mamata lashed out. Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system. The TMC chief also came down heavily on the Election Commission over its unprecedented move of cutting the campaigning in the nine parliamentary constituencies of the state by a day. Asserting that she is ready to go to prison for her remarks, Banerjee claimed that the poll body is BJP's "brother" and has been sold out to the party. "Last night we came to know that BJP had filed a complaint with EC so that we cannot hold any meeting after Narendra Modi's meeting. The EC is the brother of BJP, earlier it was an impartial body now everyone in the country says EC has sold out to BJP. I feel sad but I do not have anything to say, I am ready to go to jail for saying this. I am not scared to say the truth," she said. × Modi is also scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal's Mathurapur and Dum Dum Lok Sabha seats later in the day. In an unprecedented move for India's electoral history, the poll commission on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase campaigning in the state by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers at BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow Kolkata on Tuesday. During the mayhem, the bust Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised, both the TMC and BJP are trading blame over the matter. Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections. The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.

Bengal has money to make Vidyasagar's statue: Mamata Banerjee hits back at Modi

BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday in a press conference said, "Mamata Banerjee claims that BJP is doing violence. I want to tell her, we are fighting in every state in the nation, unlike you [Mamata Banerjee] on 42 seats in West Bengal. Violence didn't take place in six phases of elections anywhere but Bengal which proves that TMC is responsible for it."

General Election 2019: TMC responsible for violence in Bengal, says Amit Shah

Attacking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-bans-campaigning-in-nine-west-bengal-constituencies-due-to-violence-219027">Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls</a> in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel.

Banerjee, also the state chief minister, said she had never seen this type of EC which is "full of RSS people".

"There is no such law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped. It is unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical. It is actually a gift to Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah," she claimed in a press conference.

In the first such action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday ordered campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies to end at 10 PM on Thursday, a day before its scheduled deadline, in the wake of violence between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The EC invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to curtail the campaigning for the last phase of the election on May 19.

The poll panel also ordered the removal of Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajiv Kumar from their postings in West Bengal.

On this, Banerjee said the two officers were removed "not by the EC, but by Modi and Amit Shah".

Kolkata witnessed wide-spread violence during BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in Kolkata. A bust of 19th century Bengali icon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised during the violence.&nbsp;

Attacking the Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel.

Attacking the Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel. Banerjee, also the state chief minister, said she had never seen this type of EC which is "full of RSS people". "There is no such law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped. It is unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical. It is actually a gift to Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah," she claimed in a press conference. In the first such action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday ordered campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies to end at 10 PM on Thursday, a day before its scheduled deadline, in the wake of violence between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in Kolkata on Tuesday. The EC invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to curtail the campaigning for the last phase of the election on May 19. The poll panel also ordered the removal of Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajiv Kumar from their postings in West Bengal. On this, Banerjee said the two officers were removed "not by the EC, but by Modi and Amit Shah". Kolkata witnessed wide-spread violence during BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in Kolkata. A bust of 19th century Bengali icon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised during the violence.

No law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped: Mamata Banerjee

The Election Commission on Wednesday curtailed the campaign timing in nine Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal by 20 hours. The campaigning will end at Thursday 10 pm, instead of Friday evening at 6.

Election Commission curtails campaigning in West Bengal

Election Commission(EC) today banned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mamata-banerjee-government-out-to-destroy-everything-in-bengal-pm-modi-219017">campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies</a>&nbsp;in the Lok Sabha elections from 10 pm on Thursday night.

EC said the decision to cut short the campaign in West Bengal was taken after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-tmc-row-heats-up-in-west-bengal-as-amit-shah-pm-modi-attack-mamata-219015">violence in the last 24 hours</a>.&nbsp;No election campaigning will be held in Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, South and North Kolkata parliamentary constituencies from 10 pm tomorrow till the conclusion of polls, the EC declared.

Trinamool Congress workers and BJP workers were involved in clashes during a roadshow in BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow on Tuesday. BJP president Amit blamed the Trinamool Congress behind violence in West Bengal even as the TMC hit back at the BJP.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP saying: "What does Amit Shah think of himself? Is he above everything? Is he God that no one can protest against him?"&nbsp;

Clashes erupted in Iswarchandra Vidyasagar college as the institution was ransacked.&nbsp;

"The Commission is deeply anguished at the vandalism done to the statue of Vidyasagar. It is hoped that the vandals are traced by the state administration," the election body said.

"This is probably the first time that ECI has invoked Article 324 in this manner but it may not be last in cases of repetition of lawlessness and violence which vitiate the conduct of polls in a peaceful manner," it said. 
&nbsp;

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BJP president Amit Shah said BJP workers weren't behind the vandalisation of a bust of educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

The countdown of chief minister Mamata Banerjee's days in power will begin on May 23, when general election results will be declared, Shah warned.&nbsp;

At a press conference a day after the violence, Shah said it would have been difficult for him to survive the attack on his convoy if the CRPF personnel weren't present.

"I want to tell the Election Commission that it has become a mute spectator to attempts to rig polls in West Bengal. It should immediately intervene. History-sheeters...Are arrested during elections across the country. In Bengal, they are released after furnishing a bond. What is this double standards from the EC? Why is it silent," he said.

Shah said election observers in their reports have said polls in the state cannot be conducted fairly till such miscreants are arrested but the EC did not act. It raises a lot of questions on the election watchdog's impartiality, he said.

Election Commission(EC) today banned campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies in the Lok Sabha elections from 10 pm on Thursday night. EC said the decision to cut short the campaign in West Bengal was taken after violence in the last 24 hours.

Election Commission(EC) today banned campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies in the Lok Sabha elections from 10 pm on Thursday night. EC said the decision to cut short the campaign in West Bengal was taken after violence in the last 24 hours. No election campaigning will be held in Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, South and North Kolkata parliamentary constituencies from 10 pm tomorrow till the conclusion of polls, the EC declared. Trinamool Congress workers and BJP workers were involved in clashes during a roadshow in BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow on Tuesday. BJP president Amit blamed the Trinamool Congress behind violence in West Bengal even as the TMC hit back at the BJP. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP saying: "What does Amit Shah think of himself? Is he above everything? Is he God that no one can protest against him?" Clashes erupted in Iswarchandra Vidyasagar college as the institution was ransacked. "The Commission is deeply anguished at the vandalism done to the statue of Vidyasagar. It is hoped that the vandals are traced by the state administration," the election body said. "This is probably the first time that ECI has invoked Article 324 in this manner but it may not be last in cases of repetition of lawlessness and violence which vitiate the conduct of polls in a peaceful manner," it said. BJP president Amit Shah said BJP workers weren't behind the vandalisation of a bust of educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The countdown of chief minister Mamata Banerjee's days in power will begin on May 23, when general election results will be declared, Shah warned. At a press conference a day after the violence, Shah said it would have been difficult for him to survive the attack on his convoy if the CRPF personnel weren't present. "I want to tell the Election Commission that it has become a mute spectator to attempts to rig polls in West Bengal. It should immediately intervene. History-sheeters...Are arrested during elections across the country. In Bengal, they are released after furnishing a bond. What is this double standards from the EC? Why is it silent," he said. Shah said election observers in their reports have said polls in the state cannot be conducted fairly till such miscreants are arrested but the EC did not act. It raises a lot of questions on the election watchdog's impartiality, he said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission bans campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies due to violence

Amid continued violence in West Bengal in the Lok Sabha elections, BJP president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/tmc-govt-undemocratic-nationalist-govt-will-rule-west-bengal-after-may-23-says-bjps-yogi-adityanath-218951">Amit Shah's roadshow at Calcutta University</a> on May 14th caught everyone's attention. Amit Shah in a press conference today alleged that it would have been impossible for him to come out of the roadshow alive if the security forces hadn't shielded him.

Despite the violence, the BJP president continued the roadshow for one and a half hours on the streets of West Bengal. Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and PM Modi have been having heated exchanges in the poll season.

Shah's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/tmc-is-responsible-for-violence-in-west-bengal-during-elections-says-amit-shah-218876">roadshow in Kolkata was attacked</a> on Tuesday after Banerjee had asserted that TMC will take revenge against BJP, PM Modi claimed at a rally.

"Didi's (Mamata) goons carrying guns and bombs are bent upon destruction ... her government is out to destroy everything in the state. People's conviction and courage will evict the torturous rule", the Indian prime minister told a poll rally at Taki on the Indo-Bangla border in North 24 Parganas district.

"Didi is frightened by the rise of BJP in West Bengal. The people of the state had given respect to her&nbsp;by making her the chief minister. But power-drunk Mamata Banerjee is throttling democracy", PM Modi said.

However, TMC’s Derek O’Brien hit out at&nbsp;Shah claiming he&nbsp;had hired goons.

Derek O’Brien attacked the BJP president saying: “It is the saddest press conference that we have held in 21 years. President of BJP hired goons from outside Bengal yesterday. What happened yesterday hurts ethos of Bengal, they have hurt the Bengali sentiments by destroying the statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a Bengali polymath from the Indian subcontinent, and a key figure of the Bengal Renaissance.”

Parts of the city lurched into a flurry of violence as Shah's convoy was attacked with stones allegedly by&nbsp;TMC supporters from inside the hostel of Vidyasagar College, triggering a clash between supporters of the two parties.

Both sides put out videos to push&nbsp;their point of view, TMC videos showed violence being triggered by BJP cadres, on the other hand, BJP president also presented pictures of the police beating BJP participants at the roadshow. &nbsp;

As the political tit-for-tat battle played out in the open, O’Brien alleged that central forces who have been sent on the election duty have been supporting the BJP polling agents at the booths. &nbsp;

West Bengal is a key state in the present Lok Sabha elections with 42 seats on offer. BJP won just two seats here in the last elections in 2014. Early trends suggest BJP may lose 50 per cent seats in Uttar Pradesh which is being led by chief minister Adityanath.

The BJP is, therefore, eyeing a major chunk in West Bengal with at least 20 seats to fill the void and make up the deficit with results due to be announced on May 23rd after the seventh phase of polls on May 19th.

Amid continued violence in West Bengal in the Lok Sabha elections, BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow at Calcutta University on May 14th caught everyone's attention.

Amid continued violence in West Bengal in the Lok Sabha elections, BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow at Calcutta University on May 14th caught everyone's attention. Amit Shah in a press conference today alleged that it would have been impossible for him to come out of the roadshow alive if the security forces hadn't shielded him. Despite the violence, the BJP president continued the roadshow for one and a half hours on the streets of West Bengal. Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and PM Modi have been having heated exchanges in the poll season. Shah's roadshow in Kolkata was attacked on Tuesday after Banerjee had asserted that TMC will take revenge against BJP, PM Modi claimed at a rally. "Didi's (Mamata) goons carrying guns and bombs are bent upon destruction ... her government is out to destroy everything in the state. People's conviction and courage will evict the torturous rule", the Indian prime minister told a poll rally at Taki on the Indo-Bangla border in North 24 Parganas district. "Didi is frightened by the rise of BJP in West Bengal. The people of the state had given respect to her by making her the chief minister. But power-drunk Mamata Banerjee is throttling democracy", PM Modi said. However, TMC’s Derek O’Brien hit out at Shah claiming he had hired goons. Derek O’Brien attacked the BJP president saying: “It is the saddest press conference that we have held in 21 years. President of BJP hired goons from outside Bengal yesterday. What happened yesterday hurts ethos of Bengal, they have hurt the Bengali sentiments by destroying the statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a Bengali polymath from the Indian subcontinent, and a key figure of the Bengal Renaissance.” Parts of the city lurched into a flurry of violence as Shah's convoy was attacked with stones allegedly by TMC supporters from inside the hostel of Vidyasagar College, triggering a clash between supporters of the two parties. Both sides put out videos to push their point of view, TMC videos showed violence being triggered by BJP cadres, on the other hand, BJP president also presented pictures of the police beating BJP participants at the roadshow. As the political tit-for-tat battle played out in the open, O’Brien alleged that central forces who have been sent on the election duty have been supporting the BJP polling agents at the booths. West Bengal is a key state in the present Lok Sabha elections with 42 seats on offer. BJP won just two seats here in the last elections in 2014. Early trends suggest BJP may lose 50 per cent seats in Uttar Pradesh which is being led by chief minister Adityanath. The BJP is, therefore, eyeing a major chunk in West Bengal with at least 20 seats to fill the void and make up the deficit with results due to be announced on May 23rd after the seventh phase of polls on May 19th.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP-TMC row heats up in West Bengal as Amit Shah, PM Modi attack Mamata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said that the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-curious-case-of-mamata-banerjee-alternative-to-democracy-is-autocracy-218960&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYuaPI2Z3iAhULr48KHR5vBzYQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17o3YuTUrN2ZvPhVP9EFP1">Mamata Banerjee</a> government is out to destroy everything in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/democracy-is-being-murdered-in-west-bengal-devendra-fadnavis-on-clash-during-amit-shah-rally-218855&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYuaPI2Z3iAhULr48KHR5vBzYQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2QU3A8D0NMvxSP7Ub5Obz2">West Bengal</a> and people's conviction and courage will evict the "torturous rule".

The entire nation had seen (on TV) how the roadshow of BJP president Amit Shah was attacked by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/tmc-is-responsible-for-violence-in-west-bengal-during-elections-says-amit-shah-218876&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYuaPI2Z3iAhULr48KHR5vBzYQFjAHegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GnQSNDRJ5t_0zsJChCy_E">TMC</a> goons and is anxiously watching the outcome of the poll results in West Bengal, he said.

Shah's roadshow in Kolkata was attacked Tuesday after Banerjee had asserted that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-tmc-battle-out-on-the-streets-mamata-banerjee-protests-in-kolkata-219002&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTmdzw2Z3iAhVUiXAKHZO_Bt84ChAWMAR6BAgBEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1O23F4f5TmLs_AC0p5GmhL">TMC will take revenge</a> against BJP, Modi claimed.

"Didi's (Mamata) goons carrying guns and bombs are bent upon destruction ... Her government is out to destroy everything in the state. People's conviction and courage will evict the torturous rule", he told a poll rally at Taki on the Indo-Bangla border in North 24 Parganas district.

"Didi is frightened by the rise of BJP in West Bengal. The people of the state had given respect to here by making her the chief minister. But power-drunk Mamata Banerjee is throttling democracy", Modi said.

Keeping up his attack on Banerjee, Modi said, "You have looted peoples' money in the chit fund scam and when they sought explanations you abused them".

"Democracy has given you the chief minister's chair and you are killing it. The entire country is watching your misdeeds...Didi should not be kept in power. In the last four to five years she has shown her colours", Modi added.

He held Banerjee responsible for destroying the state's culture of 'Bhadra Lok'.

The people of Bengal have made up their mind to end the Banerjee's "despotic rule" he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said that the Mamata Banerjee government is out to destroy everything in West Bengal and people's conviction and courage will evict the "torturous rule".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said that the Mamata Banerjee government is out to destroy everything in West Bengal and people's conviction and courage will evict the "torturous rule". The entire nation had seen (on TV) how the roadshow of BJP president Amit Shah was attacked by the TMC goons and is anxiously watching the outcome of the poll results in West Bengal, he said. Shah's roadshow in Kolkata was attacked Tuesday after Banerjee had asserted that TMC will take revenge against BJP, Modi claimed. "Didi's (Mamata) goons carrying guns and bombs are bent upon destruction ... Her government is out to destroy everything in the state. People's conviction and courage will evict the torturous rule", he told a poll rally at Taki on the Indo-Bangla border in North 24 Parganas district. "Didi is frightened by the rise of BJP in West Bengal. The people of the state had given respect to here by making her the chief minister. But power-drunk Mamata Banerjee is throttling democracy", Modi said. Keeping up his attack on Banerjee, Modi said, "You have looted peoples' money in the chit fund scam and when they sought explanations you abused them". "Democracy has given you the chief minister's chair and you are killing it. The entire country is watching your misdeeds...Didi should not be kept in power. In the last four to five years she has shown her colours", Modi added. He held Banerjee responsible for destroying the state's culture of 'Bhadra Lok'. The people of Bengal have made up their mind to end the Banerjee's "despotic rule" he said.

Mamata Banerjee government out to destroy everything in West Bengal: PM Modi

A day after the Trinamool Congress and BJP workers clashed in West Bengal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee organised a roadshow in Kolkata to protest against the violence and vandalism during Amit Shah's roadshow in the state capital.

BJP-TMC battle out on the streets, Mamata Banerjee protests in Kolkata

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