PM Modi takes boat ride on Hooghly; Amit Shah warns of strict action in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes Bengal’s cultural bond with the Ganga while Union Home Minister Amit Shah issues a stern warning against poll-related harassment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning took a scenic boat ride on the Hooghly River, capturing moments of the iconic Vidyasagar Setu on his camera. The Prime Minister, currently on a high-octane campaign trail in West Bengal, later interacted with local boatmen and morning walkers, reinforcing his "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" vision for the state’s prosperity.

Modi’s Ganga connection

Sharing images of the serene boat ride on X, the Prime Minister noted that the Ganga occupies a "special place" in the heart of every Bengali. He remarked that the river flows through the "soul of Bengal," carrying the spirit of Indian civilization.

The Prime Minister’s visit to the riverbanks follows his aggressive rally in Krishnanagar, where he predicted an "expiry date" for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). He expressed confidence that the heavy voter turnout in the first phase signals a mandate for change.

Shah warns disruptors

Parallel to the PM’s cultural outreach, Union Home Minister Amit Shah adopted a tough stance during an election rally in Arambagh. Addressing a massive gathering, Shah issued a direct warning to those allegedly planning to disrupt the second phase of polling on April 29.

The Home Minister stated that supporters of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who intend to harass voters should "remain indoors." He emphasized that the Centre would ensure strict action against anyone attempting to undermine the democratic process once the election results are declared on May 4.

New ECI protocols

Amidst the escalating political heat, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced stringent post-poll guidelines for West Bengal. These measures aim to secure surveillance data and prevent tampering following the record-breaking 92.72% turnout in the first phase.

Under the new rules, SD cards from cameras installed at polling booths cannot be removed immediately after voting. Instead, the entire camera unit must be dismounted and kept under the strict supervision of a Sector Officer until it reaches a designated collection centre.

Congress defends Kharge

In a separate development, the Congress party has responded to the ECI’s show-cause notice regarding Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent remarks. The poll body had flagged Kharge’s "terrorist" comment directed at the Prime Minister as "intemperate and dehumanising."

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh termed the notice "motivated" and requested a one-week extension for a detailed response. Ramesh pointed out procedural discrepancies, noting that the party received two separate notices with the same reference number, signed by different officials.

Violence allegations surface

The political atmosphere remains volatile as the state prepares for the next round of voting. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged that TMC workers attacked a party polling agent during the first phase in Berhampore.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, campaigning in Kamarhati, echoed these concerns. He promised that a future BJP government in the state would initiate criminal proceedings against individuals involved in attacking opposition candidates and workers.

Citizenship and infiltration

During his recent addresses, PM Modi has kept the focus on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and illegal infiltration. He accused the Mamata Banerjee administration of facilitating settlements for infiltrators through forged documentation while blocking key central legislations.

The Prime Minister reiterated that if the BJP is voted to power, the process of granting citizenship under the CAA would be significantly accelerated. He framed the ongoing election as a battle between "syndicate raj" and "pathway to development."

Future outlook remains

As the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections approaches, all eyes are on the high-stakes battle in the remaining constituencies. With the ECI tightening security and central leaders camping in the state, the political landscape remains on edge.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, a date that both the BJP and TMC claim will validate their respective narratives. For now, the Latest News Today remains focused on whether the peaceful polling trends of the first phase can be maintained in the upcoming rounds.