BISHNUPUR/PURULIA, May 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks against the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha, alleging that she is “under pressure from Muslim fundamentalists” and “threatened” these socio-religious organisations to “appease” TMC’s vote bank.
Addressing back-to-back rallies in Purulia and Bishnupur, Modi stated that the TMC has crossed the limits of decency by spreading falsehood against ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangha.
“The TMC, which has intimidated and threatened the people of Bengal during elections, has crossed all limits this time. Today, in the country and the world, ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are known for service and morality, but the chief minister of Bengal is openly threatening them, warning them from an open platform,” he said.
Modi claimed that threats were issued to appease the vote bank.
“West Bengal Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) is threatening them. They are threatening them just to appease their vote bank,” he reiterated.
Modi emphasised that these organisations have millions of followers worldwide and their sole aim is to serve the people.
“The TMC has pointed fingers at them. So much courage! Just to please their vote bank?” he questioned.
Addressing another rally at Bishnupur, the prime minister accused Banerjee of being under pressure from Muslim fundamentalists to attack the saints and monks of the country.
“The TMC is jittery because the party sees its time is over. In their desperation, TMC leaders have started hurling abuses at prestigious organisations like ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. These organisations have brought glory to Bengal, but the CM of this state claims that they are ruining Bengal. Under pressure from Muslim fundamentalists, she has publicly insulted our faith,” he stated.
Addressing an election rally in Goghat under the Arambagh Lok Sabha constituency on Saturday, Banerjee had claimed, “Some monks of Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are working under the influence of BJP leaders in Delhi. Those who are looking after temples are doing great spiritual jobs, but everyone is not doing so. This is not done. We respect the monks.” The prime minister criticised the “corrupt INDIA bloc, including the TMC,” saying, “Modi guarantees that none of the corrupt people will be spared.”
“After the new government is formed on June 4, corrupt people will spend their lives in jail. Action against them will intensify after the Lok Sabha poll results,” he added.
Modi alleged that the TMC and Congress are two sides of the same coin when it comes to corruption.
He asserted that the TMC, Congress, and the Left might be three different parties, but their sins are the same and “that is why they formed the INDIA bloc. (PTI)