Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress during rallies in West Bengal on Monday. He accused the Mamata Banerjee government of embezzling Rs 5,000 crore through multiple scams. Sources close to the BJP said the speeches aimed to fire up cadres before the first polling phase on April 23.

Rally Highlights

Shah addressed crowds in Mayureswar, Bolpur, and Birbhum districts. He warned TMC goons to stay home on polling day or face jail after May 5. "People of Bengal will reply to bombs with votes," he declared, pushing for a double-engine BJP government.

Scam Allegations

The minister listed teacher recruitment, cow smuggling, and ration scams as evidence of TMC graft. "BJP will make scamsters pay every penny," Shah asserted at Mayureswar. Reports indicated these charges resonate in rural Birbhum, hit by violence allegations.

Infiltrators Issue

Shah promised nationwide action against infiltrators, claiming Mamata opposes Election Commission lists. He linked this to border fencing delays, vowing land handover within 45 days of BJP victory. Officials noted heightened security concerns near Bangladesh borders.

Bose Joins TMC

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's grandson Chandra Kumar Bose quit BJP for TMC on Sunday. "BJP practices divisive politics and communal hatred," Bose said after induction by ministers Bratya Basu and MP Kirti Azad. He had lost 2016 assembly and 2019 Lok Sabha polls on BJP ticket.timesofindia.

Poll Background

West Bengal votes in two phases: April 23 and 29, with results on May 4 or 5. BJP eyes gains after 2021 setbacks, targeting TMC strongholds like Birbhum. Mamata countered, alleging BJP's Rs 1,000 crore plot to topple her regime.

Safety Concerns

Shah pledged no repeat of Sandeshkhali, RG Kar, or law college horrors under BJP rule. He slammed Mamata for riots in Murshidabad, Ram Navami attacks, and Saraswati Puja curbs. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari echoed: women unsafe, jobs scarce.

Official Reactions

"TMC more dangerous than a poisonous snake," Mamata shot back.[query context] Congress MP Karti Chidambaram defended Tamil Nadu's Hindu credentials amid southern campaigns.[query context] BJP's Nitin Nabin roadshowed in Tamil Nadu, but Bengal dominated discourse.

Voter Impact

Charges of cut-money, syndicates, and infiltrators sway undecided voters in Birbhum's 11 seats. Public interest stories highlight women's safety and jobs as key issues. Analysts see BJP consolidating Hindu votes, TMC leaning on welfare schemes.

Path Ahead

Shah's three rallies signal aggressive BJP push till April 23. TMC banks on Bose's entry for nationalist appeal. Counting on May 5 could reshape national politics, with double-engine promises in focus. Latest news today from English news portal India tracks these government updates.