Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday delivered a strong election pitch ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls, presenting the upcoming elections as a key moment for the state’s future. Speaking at his second rally of the day in Kulti, near the industrial belt of Asansol and Barakar, Shah promised that a BJP-led government would generate one lakh jobs every year for the youth through a transparent and merit-based system. He highlighted the industrial history of the region and stressed the need to bring back its lost economic strength.

Referring to Kulti’s past as a major iron-producing hub, Shah said the area had once flourished but had declined under the current administration. He assured that if the BJP comes to power, it will revive the industrial base and create more employment opportunities for local residents. He also promised strict action against illegal mining activities and said polluting sponge iron units would be completely shut down. According to him, these steps would help restore both environmental balance and industrial growth in the region.

The Home Minister strongly criticised the current state government, accusing it of corruption in the job sector. He alleged that deserving candidates were being deprived of opportunities while jobs were being sold unfairly. Shah said the BJP aims to correct this system and ensure that young people receive jobs based only on merit. He reiterated that the party is committed to providing fair and equal opportunities every year.

A major part of Shah’s speech focused on his call for an “infiltrator-free” Bengal. He said that if the BJP forms the government, it will identify and remove illegal foreign nationals from the state. “After the BJP assumes power, we will identify each and every illegally settled foreign national in Bengal and throw them out of the country,” Shah added. He also accused the government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of allowing syndicates, criminal groups and mafia networks to grow, and said these would be dismantled under BJP rule.

Shah also launched a sharp personal attack on Mamata Banerjee, claiming that she is focused on promoting her nephew Abhishek Banerjee rather than addressing the state’s issues. He said, “dreams of putting her nephew in the chief minister's chair will never be fulfilled.” He further criticised the state government for failing to ensure women’s safety. Referring to incidents reported from Sandeshkhali, RG Kar Hospital, South Calcutta Law College and a medical college in Durgapur, Shah said women should not be restricted in their movements. He added, “The Narendra Modi-led BJP promises that it will ensure the safety and security of all women, even if they are out on the streets post-midnight”.

Addressing concerns about welfare schemes, Shah assured that a BJP government would continue all existing programmes meant for the poor. He said these schemes would not be discontinued and that additional support measures would also be introduced. He also repeated the party’s intention to implement a Uniform Civil Code in the state. According to him, this would end “the prevalent practice of four simultaneous marriages by men of a certain community”.

Shah also issued a strong warning regarding the conduct of elections. Referring to the presence of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), he cautioned those attempting to disrupt the voting process. “I warn Mamata Banerjee's goons that if they try to disturb the poll process by venturing out of their homes on the days of polling, I will ensure they are hanged upside down on May 4, after the counting of votes is over, and straighten them up once and for all,” he added.

The Union Home Minister concluded by promising a strict crackdown on corruption and organised crime if the BJP comes to power in the state. He said the party would end what he described as “syndicate raj” and take tough action against those involved in financial scams. “We will dig out the mafia from the state's farthest corners and put them behind bars. Those indulged in corruption will not be spared,” he added. Shah’s speech combined promises of development, governance reforms and law enforcement with strong criticism of the current administration, setting the tone for an intense election battle in West Bengal.