West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stepped up his attack on the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), asking people to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and warning against groups he accused of spreading anti-national ideas.
His remarks came amid criticism of the previous governments in the state over nationalism, education and cultural identity.
Adhikari Targets CJP, Calls For Support For Modi
Speaking at an event in West Bengal on Monday, Adhikari said, “Stand with PM Modi, don’t let ‘Dimagi Naxal’, ‘tukde tukde’ gang, cockroaches breed.”
The chief minister had launched a similar attack a day earlier, comparing what he described as harmful influences to pests and the coronavirus. His comments included references to insect-repellent spray while criticising groups he accused of working against national interests.
CM Accuses Previous Governments Of Ignoring Nationalism
Adhikari also criticised the previous government in Bengal, alleging that it followed appeasement politics and lacked an understanding of nationalism.
“The previous govt in Bengal had no understanding of nationalism, engaged in appeasement politics, and planned to turn the state into greater Bangladesh,” he said.
He further claimed that the government had created a separate song and flag for the state and adopted Bangladesh’s “Joy Bangla” slogan.
Speaking in Ramnagar on Sunday, Adhikari called for annual speech, quiz and debate competitions in educational institutions to promote nationalism among students.
NCC, School Textbooks And NEP Under Spotlight
The chief minister accused the 34-year rule of the Left and the 15-year TMC government led by Mamata Banerjee of trying to erase Bengal’s heritage and culture.
He alleged that the previous government tried to restrict National Cadet Corps (NCC) enrolment in educational institutions and introduced the Jai Hind Vahini instead. Adhikari said NCC training could have helped students join the armed forces as Agniveers.
He also criticised the inclusion of people associated with the Tata Motors exit from Singur in school history textbooks, claiming they were being glorified.
“Changes will be seen in the syllabi from the next academic year,” he said, adding that the National Education Policy would be implemented in West Bengal.
Adhikari made the remarks after meeting the family of a person who died in a stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal on 17 October.