PM Modi says Mamata will be wiped out of Bengal in LS election; highlights

The final countdown for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 has begun. Narendra Modi campaigned for BJP in West Bengal's Durgapur, Thakurnagar on Saturday

With the final countdown for Lok Sabha elections beginning this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kick-started Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign in West Bengal. BJP's star-campaigner addressed rallies in Thakurpur and Durgapur.

During the public meeting at Thakurpur, Modi had to cut short his speech after a stampede-like situation broke out at the venue leading to injuries to several persons.

While Modi was addressing the well-attended rally of the Matua community, hundreds of supporters who were standing outside the venue tried to barge into the inner ring of the rally ground, leading to commotion. Modi tried to pacify the crowd by asking them to stay put in their places and stop from making efforts to come on the front side of the inner ring. However, his pleas went unheard as supporters started throwing chairs inside the no-man zone in front of the stage to make space for others to stand in the inner ring, which was earmarked for women supporters.

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The Durgapur rally of the prime minister was a part of BJP's 'Ganatantra Bachao' (save democracy) programme in the state.

The rallies were held at a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has upped the ante against the BJP-headed government at the Centre and has given the call to oust the PM Modi government in the next General Election.

Highlights on Narendra Modi's 'Ganatantra Bachao' rally in West Bengal

3:19 PM

Mamata treading path of erstwhile Communists but she should know throttling democracy did not succeed then, will not succeed now: PM Modi

Mamata treading path of erstwhile Communists but she should know throttling democracy did not succeed then, will not succeed now, said Modi.

3:08 PM

3:08 PM

PM Modi in Durgapur, West Bengal: There was a lot of enthusiasm during my rally in Thakurnagar, and I think the ground was filled twice its capacity,I would like to apologise for the discomfort the people went through.

3:02 PM

In the history of independent India, no govt has brought such a huge and beneficial scheme for the farmers as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: PM

In the history of independent India, no govt has brought such a huge and beneficial scheme for the farmers as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. We intend to spend around Rs 75,000 crore, providing Rs 6,000 assistance to the marginal farmers: PM Modi

3:01 PM

Calling yesterday's Budget a "historic step" for the welfare of farmers, the working and middle class, he said these sections were neglected for years after Independence. "We have announced measures in our budget that will benefit 12 crore small farmers, 30-40 crore workmen, and three crore middle class people," Modi said.

2:59 PM

Mamata Banerjee has become jittery because of your love for us: Modi

Addressing a well-attended event of the Scheduled Caste Matua community, where his speech was welcomed with loud cheers, Modi said, "Now I can understand why Didi (Banerjee) and her party are indulging in violence...killing innocent people. She has become jittery because of your love for us." 

2:58 PM

In Thakurnagar, the prime minister also made a strong pitch for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

In Thakurnagar, the prime minister also made a strong pitch for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to accord Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled their countries due to religious persecution.

2:54 PM

In the interim budget, individuals with up to Rs 5 lakh taxable income have been exempted from the tax: Modi

In the interim budget, individuals with up to Rs 5 lakh taxable income have been exempted from the tax. This is just the trailer, there is more to follow. This move is going to benefit around 3 crore individuals of the middle class : PM Modi

2:53 PM

The meaning of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas' is clear in this ( interim Budget 2019): Modi

PM Narendra Modi in Durgapur: The meaning of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas' is clear in this ( interim Budget 2019). It has something for every section of society.

2:50 PM

TMC not serious about development: Modi at Durgapur

TMC not serious about development: Modi

2:47 PM

PM Narendra Modi in Durgapur, West Bengal: I used to think that Didi who has herself suffered a lot during Left regime will not walk on the same path, but I was surprised that she adopted the same tactics. You can take this from me in writing 'Inka jaana tae hai'.

2:40 PM

I apologise for stampede at Thakurnagar rally, says PM

I apologise for stampede at Thakurnagar rally, says PM

2:37 PM

Modi addresses rally in Durgapur

Modi addresses rally in Durgapur

12:54 PM

PM Modi's speech in Thakurnagar ends. He will now address a rally in Durgapur

PM Modi's speech in Thakurnagar ends. He will now address a rally in Durgapur

12:52 PM

Congress has been giving out loan waivers as a ploy to amass votes, Modi says

You have heard parties asking for votes in exchange for loan waivers. It is a ploy to amass votes: Modi