Kolkata: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on a whirlwind tour of West Bengal on Wednesday, hit out at the Mamata Banerjee government for “pushing the state on a downward trajectory” and predicted an emphatic victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) when the election results are announced on May 4.

Addressing a mega rally in Jorasanko, the Chief Minister went all guns blazing at the “aunt-nephew” duo (referring to Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee), holding them responsible for West Bengal’s “slide from prosperity to miserable condition”.

He said that they want to erase West Bengal’s identity and rich heritage and also took note of Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim’s “Urdu will prevail in city” remark, cautioning that no one should dare to tamper with the state’s sanctity.

BJP Confident of Sweeping Polls

The public rally, witnessing a huge turnout of BJP supporters, saw many holding posters and banners reading, “Yogi ji, bring the bulldozer. We are with you.”

Addressing the gathering, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said, “The first phase of elections is scheduled for April 23, and the public’s desire for change is clearly visible. BJP is set to win 80 per cent of the seats in the first phase. When the results are declared on May 4, the saffron flag will be hoisted across Bengal.”

Promise of “Sonar Bangla” and Economic Revival

Taking pride in West Bengal’s rich cultural past and once-existent economic strength, Chief Minister Adityanath promised to restore the legacy of the state and transform the ‘darkness’ into “Sonar Bangla”, while emphasising the need to protect its identity and curb fanatical elements.

“Bengal has made an unparalleled contribution to nation-building through the sacrifice, dedication, and efforts of great personalities born on its soil,” he said.

He added that West Bengal, once a land of knowledge, is now grappling with unemployment.

“Over the past decade, more than 7,000 large industries and thousands of MSME units have shut down, leaving over 30 lakh youth unemployed, yet the state government remains indifferent,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Model Highlighted

Drawing a contrast with Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath highlighted what he described as the state’s transformation after 2017.

He said that earlier Uttar Pradesh faced chaos, riots, curfews, and the prevalence of “goonda tax”.

“Taking the name of Lord Ram would invite violence, but today such disturbances are no longer possible in Uttar Pradesh,” he added.