Continued from P1

He alleged that Mamata Banerjee's TMC has only inflicted 'nirmamta' (cruelty) on Bengal, while the BJP has developed Asansol despite obstacles posed by the ruling party.

The PM also highlighted a downward trend in the state's economy and its contribution to national gross domestic product (GDP). He said, "Bengal's contribution to the national GDP has slid to mere five per cent from 12 per cent earlier." However, he said, a regime change would ensure that West Bengal scales new heights.

"Investment has taken flight from the once-thriving industrial belt of Asansol. Only the BJP's double-engine can rectify it," he added, noting that the Centre has allocated ₹45,000 crore for the revival of the industries in Asansol.

In another rally in Haldia, PM Modi said that it is essential to remove the TMC's 'Niram sarkar' to usher "Viksit Bengal". He also announced "six Modi guarantees" for the people.

The TMC supremo, meanwhile, accused the BJP of deleting names of more than 90 lakh people from the voter lists to grab power in the state, asserting that her party will win the upcoming Assembly polls.

Speaking at a public rally in North 24 Paraganas' Minakhan, Banerjee said that TMC would approach the court to ensure that all the deleted names are reinstated in the electoral rolls, referring to the special intensive revision exercise in the state. "You deleted names of over 90 lakh people to grab power in Bengal, but we will win," she said.

The TMC chief accused the BJP of "paying money to buy votes," alleging that the party is bringing "outsiders from UP, Bihar to manipulate polling". She further said that the BJP is "destroying the federal structure of the country" by threatening officers.