Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on the second day of his North Bengal tour, launched a direct attack on former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while praising Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for what he described as the state government’s renewed focus on border security.

Addressing a special programme at the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Frontier Headquarters in Siliguri, Shah recalled that the state’s former chief minister had traditionally been invited to such events but, according to him, had never attended.

Shah specifically thanked Suvendu Adhikari for participating in the programme, using his presence to underline what he portrayed as a change in the state government’s approach towards border security.

Shah said the difference between the previous and present administrations was particularly visible in the process of acquiring land for border infrastructure.

He claimed that during the previous government, the Centre had to make repeated requests for land, whereas the present administration was approving such requirements even before receiving formal communications.

According to Shah, around 560 acres of land were required to strengthen security around the strategically important Siliguri Corridor. He alleged that the previous government had failed to provide the land for years, while Adhikari approved the proposal soon after assuming office.

“Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has prioritised border security from day one,” Shah said.

Shah highlights significance of ‘Vande Mataram’

The Home Minister also used the occasion to speak about India’s national heritage and the significance of Vande Mataram.

Shah said the national song had not been accorded its full due for a long period after Independence and Partition. He recalled that Vande Mataram had been sung in Parliament with members standing, but the complete song was not performed.

According to Shah, the omission had caused disappointment among many people, including himself.

He said the 80th Independence Day celebrations marked a significant change, claiming that the entire song was sung on that occasion. Shah said the move would help younger generations gain a clearer understanding of the nationalist vision and contribution of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of Vande Mataram.

BNS exhibition to open in Siliguri

Following the programme at the SSB headquarters, Shah is scheduled to visit the Kawakhali grounds in Siliguri, where he will inaugurate an exhibition on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The exhibition will remain open until August 26 and will focus on creating public awareness about provisions of the BNS that replaced corresponding sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Shah to hold meetings with BJP leaders, hills representatives

After completing Friday’s engagements, Shah is scheduled to return to his hotel in the afternoon, where he will meet BJP leaders and workers.

On Saturday, he is expected to hold two successive meetings focused on issues concerning the Hills region. The meetings are expected to form part of his wider engagements during the North Bengal visit.

The Union Home Minister will return to Delhi after concluding his meetings in North Bengal.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share