Didi has now realised contesting from Nandigram was a mistake: PM Modi

Launching an attack against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that she has now realised that contesting from Nandigram was a mistake. Addressing two back-to-back rallies in Bengal, Modi also exuded confidence in BJP’s success in the Assembly elections saying that Mamata’s actions were a clear indication of the things to come.

"First, Didi left the Bhabanipur constituency and went to Nandigram. Now, she has realised that she made a mistake,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister sarcastically said that Mamata had become both the "opinion poll and the exit poll" and her actions said it all.

“Just look at Didi and you will understand everything. She is the opinion poll and the exit poll, all rolled into one,” said Modi.

Slamming the CM for adversely reacting to slogans of ‘Jai Shree Ram’, Modi said that earlier she got offended with the slogan and now the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is dubbing those wearing saffron as “rakshas” (demons).

Also read: TMC writes to EC, alleges CRPF men misbehaved with women voters in Nandigram

“ Earlier, Mamata didi objected to slogans of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and had issues with immersion of Durga idols. Now the TMC is having problems with people wearing saffron, having a tilak and choti (hair tied into a pony) and calling them ‘rakshas’,” said Modi at a rally in Joynagar in South 24 Paraganas district.

Modi was referring to Mamata’s recent public declaration of her ‘gotra’(clan) which is quite unusual for her. Soon after her declaration BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Sigh, who also has a ‘choti’ said “ do you (Mamata) consider the Rohingyas and other infiltrators as belonging to the ‘Shandilya’ (gotra of Mamata) and invite them with a red carpet?”

Hitting back at Singh, TMC MP Mahua Moitra tweeted “Union Minister Giriraj Says Mamata's from 'Rohingya Clan'.Proud of it. Far better than being from the Chotiwala Rakshasa Clan!”

The Prime Minister lashed out at the TMC for accusing him of violating the model code of conduct during his recent visit to Orakandi in Bangladesh, the holiest pilgrimage of the Matua community. The Matuas are Dalit Hindus who arrived from erstwhile East Pakistan to West Bengal in large numbers following Partisan.

“TMC has taken offense to my visit to the 51 Shaktipeeth Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Bangladesh. What is wrong with paying homage to Shri Harichand Thakur (the founder of the Matua sect)?...I don’t believe in showing seasonal faith. We are always proud of faith,” said Modi.

He slammed Mamata for her comments regarding the people of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. “You have taken oath of the Constitution under which you cannot speak against other States and their people,” said Modi.

Taking potshots at Mamata for her letter to 14 Opposition party leaders urging them to unite against the BJP, Modi said “ she is seeking help from those who in her opinion are outsiders and whom earlier she did not have time to meet.”