As the state heads into the second phase of voting, star campaigners from all major parties are out in full force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally today at Krishnanagar in Nadia, where he sharply criticised the ruling party over corruption and infiltration. Later, speaking in Mathurapur, South 24 Parganas, he promised new opportunities for fishermen in Kakdwip. He also reiterated that persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries would be granted citizenship under the CAA if the BJP forms a government. In the evening, the Prime Minister visited Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at Balagarh in Hooghly, declared that under a BJP government, no infiltrator would be allowed into Bengal, and those already present would be removed from voter lists and expelled from the country.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while campaigning in Bowbazar, in Kolkata, accused the Prime Minister of undermining the democratic process. On the Left front, CPI(M) leaders M.A. Baby and Brinda Karat joined a rally in Jadavpur, while state secretary Mohammad Salim led roadshows in Ballygunge and Uttarpara.
With the second phase of polling just ahead, the battle for Bengal is intensifying across rallies, roadshows, and public meetings.
