Bengal polls last opportunity for people to revive state's economy: Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday termed the West Bengal Assembly polls as ''the last opportunity'' for people to revive the state's economy, which has ''declined'' due to ''years of the Trinamool Congress' misrule''. ''This is not just a routine election. Bengal stands at a pivotal moment. It is the last opportunity to change direction and bring back development,'' he said at a poll rally in Paschim Medinipur's Pingla. Drawing comparisons between Uttar Pradesh and Bengal, Adityanath said the situation in his state was similar before the BJP came to power. ''However, law and order, and infrastructure have since improved,'' the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, asserting that a similar model can transform Bengal. He framed the polls as a ''crucial moment'' for Bengal's future, urging voters to bring in a BJP-led ''double-engine government'' for development and governance. Adityanath also accused the ruling dispensation of fostering a ''mafia raj'' in coal, sand and land, and alleged deterioration in the state's law and order situation. ''Nobody is safe, not women, traders, or farmers. Festivals face restrictions and violence. This reflects the governance model of the current regime,'' the BJP leader said. He also referred to the bill to implement 33 per cent women's reservation in legislatures in 2029, which was derailed in the Lok Sabha, saying opposition parties ''disrespected women'' by opposing the proposed law. Invoking Bengal's historical and cultural legacy, Adityanath said the state that once led India in industry and intellect ''lost its way'' under successive governments of the Congress, the Left and the TMC. ''The past decade in Bengal marked industrial decline, unemployment and closure of businesses,'' he claimed and accused the BJP's rivals of practising ''appeasement politics'' and disrespecting constitutional institutions. ''Fifteen years is enough. It is time to end corruption, violence and misgovernance. Development must begin,'' Adityanath said.