Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma was felicitated by non-resident Rajasthanis in Howrah, Kolkata, on Saturday, where he launched a sharp political attack on opposition parties and called for a decisive mandate in West Bengal.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma urged the community to mobilise fully in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that if West Bengal seeks governance on the lines of Rajasthan, it must remove what he termed a regime marked by corruption, “cut-money,” and appeasement politics.
Referring to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, the Chief Minister criticised the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and allied parties for opposing the legislation. He described their stance as reflective of a “petty mindset” and said the bill’s failure was an “insult to women.”
He asserted that women across the country would respond strongly to this, adding that empowering women after decades of delay is a necessity in modern India. Highlighting central schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana, he credited the leadership of PM Modi for prioritising women’s empowerment.
Sharma emphasised the global contributions of the Rajasthani diaspora, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and social services. He noted that through the Rajasthan Foundation, 26 domestic and 14 international chapters have been established in recent years.
He urged non-resident Rajasthanis to invest in Rajasthan by setting up industries, thereby maintaining a strong connection with their roots. Highlighting development initiatives, the Chief Minister said Rajasthan is witnessing rapid growth under a “double-engine government.”
He cited Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs 35 lakh crore signed during the Rising Rajasthan Global Summit, with Rs 9 lakh crore already under implementation. He also pointed to key infrastructure and welfare initiatives, including water projects such as the Ram Jal Setu Link Project and the Yamuna Water Agreement, and expanded electricity supply to farmers, expected to cover all districts by 2027.
Drawing a comparison, Sharma questioned why a similar development could not be achieved in West Bengal. He called for the establishment of a “double-engine government” in the state, asserting that it is essential to accelerate growth and ensure good governance. The event also saw enthusiastic participation from the diaspora, with the Chief Minister receiving a warm welcome during his visit.