PM Narendra Modi (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sharpened the BJP’s campaign pitch in poll-bound West Bengal, focusing on issues of infiltration, citizenship and alleged corruption under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.Addressing a public rally in Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, PM Modi promised that the process of granting citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) would be expedited for eligible refugee families if the BJP comes to power in the state.In total, PM Modi addressed three rallies in poll-bound state. He conducted poll rallies in Katwa, Jangipur and Murshidabad. In a separate rally in Jangipur, PM Modi said: “From Sandeshkhali to RG Kar, this (TMC) ruthless government stood up to protect rapists. Bengal does not forget this. The era of fear will end.”He specifically reached out to the Matua and Namasudra communities, who form a significant electoral base in several districts of South Bengal.“I want to tell the Matua and Namasudra refugee families that they are under the protection of the country’s Constitution. Modi enacted the CAA law so that Matua, Namasudra, and all refugees get citizenship,” the Prime Minister said.He further added that a BJP government would accelerate the citizenship process for all eligible applicants under the CAA.“After the BJP government is formed, the process of granting citizenship under CAA will be accelerated for all eligible applicants,” he said.Stepping up his attack on alleged illegal immigration, PM Modi said ‘infiltrators’ would have to leave the state if the BJP comes to power.“The infiltrators should start packing their bags; it is time to leave. Those who have helped the infiltrators will not be spared,” he said.The Prime Minister also launched a sharp attack on the ruling TMC, alleging that its 15-year rule had created an atmosphere of fear in the state.“The 15-year rule of the TMC has given nothing but fear to every citizen, every family of Bengal,” he said.He added that the upcoming election was aimed at removing that atmosphere and bringing in what he called a “Bengal free of fear”.“This election is to eradicate the TMC’s fear. Such a change would be the first step towards building a developed Bengal.”PM Modi also intensified his allegations against the TMC over corruption, promising strict action if the BJP comes to power.He said a BJP government would release a “white paper” detailing alleged corruption under the current regime and ensure accountability.“BJP will bring a white paper to ensure a legal accounting of corruption involving TMC’s MLAs, ministers, and syndicates,” he said.During the rally, PM Modi also shared a video clip of him claiming a strong public turnout. He said that large crowds had gathered even at the helipad before the start of his programme.He also accused the TMC of spreading misinformation about BJP schemes and said his party would not discontinue welfare benefits but remove corruption and middlemen from their implementation.“BJP won’t stop anything. BJP will only shut down the shop of corruption,” he said.In an effort to reach out to women voters, PM Modi announced a monthly financial support scheme.“BJP has announced Rs 3,000 per month for women,” he said, adding that the party was committed to strengthening welfare delivery.He also claimed growing public support for the BJP in West Bengal, saying high voter participation and enthusiasm, especially among women, indicated a strong mandate in the party’s favour.The rallies come ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.In a separate rally in Murshidabad, PM Modi said that his party is working to implement the UCC in West Bengal.“The security of the nation is paramount to us. The BJP is resolved to implement the UCC (Uniform Civil Code) in Bengal and put an end to the politics of appeasement once and for all,” he said. The 2021 elections saw the TMC return to power with a strong majority, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats.