Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said on Friday that the people of West Bengal are "fed up with appeasement politics and corruption", alleging that development in the state has stalled under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Addressing a Marwari community event in Siliguri, Rajasthan Chief Minister Sharma claimed that public resources are being misused while infiltration is being encouraged. In contrast, he asserted, the BJP stands for "clean intent, clear policy, and rapid development".
He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's global stature has risen significantly and the country is advancing rapidly on the path of development. "The people of West Bengal have made up their minds. The BJP will form the government here (West Bengal) with a massive majority," he said.
Highlighting Rajasthan's cultural legacy, Chief Minister Sharma described it as a "land of Shakti and Bhakti", recalling the contributions of tall personalities like Meerabai, Maharana Pratap, and Surajmal. He also paid tribute to Siliguri's spiritual heritage, mentioning places like Sevakeshwari Kali Temple and Siddheshwar Shiv Temple.
The Chief Minister praised the Marwari community for its global philanthropic contributions, noting their role in establishing hospitals, schools, cow shelters, and other social institutions. Chief Minister Sharma also highlighted key Central government initiatives, including 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, saying that these schemes have benefited women, farmers, and the underprivileged.
He also emphasised the importance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in ensuring women's participation in nation-building. On infrastructure, the Rajasthan Chief Minister pointed to major projects under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, including a 520-km Greenfield Expressway connecting Gorakhpur to Siliguri, a six-lane Kolkata-Siliguri highway, and the modernisation of Bagdogra Airport, which he said would boost trade and tourism in the region.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Rajasthan's development, saying that the current Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government is fulfilling its electoral promises across sectors such as water, power, industry, and employment. He added that efforts are underway to preserve heritage structures, particularly the Havelis of the Shekhawati region, while promoting tourism.
Earlier on Friday, CM Sharma participated in a grand roadshow in support of BJP candidate from Siliguri Assembly seat, Shankar Ghosh, which witnessed a large turnout. The Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by supporters, with slogans and public enthusiasm marking the event.
He appealed to voters to ensure a decisive victory for the BJP candidate. Local representatives and a large number of expatriate Rajasthanis were present during the programme.