Shah raises issues of women’s safety and security at Dadpur rally
The Statesman | 23 April 2026
Union home minister Amit Shah today addressed the ‘Vijay Sankalp Sabha’ at Balikukhari ground in Dadpur, Hooghly, in support of BJP candidates Swaraj Ghosh (Saptagram) and Barnali Das (Dhanekhali).
During his speech, he launched a broad attack on the Trinamul Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, raising multiple issues.
Speaking on alleged infiltration, Shah said, “It is time to say goodbye to ‘Didi’. She is on her way out, and ‘Padma’ (the lotus) is on its way in.” He claimed that if the BJP comes to power, infiltrators would be identified and expelled, alleging that infiltration in border areas is increasing and adversely affecting local residents.
On women’s safety, Shah criticised the Trinamul Congress over the Sandeshkhali incident, stating that if the BJP forms the government, women would be able to move freely and safely, even at night. He also promised 33 per cent reservation for women in jobs.
Shah made announcements in the transport sector, stating that women would be allowed to travel free of cost on government buses from Gangasagar to Darjeeling if the BJP comes to power. He also promised employment opportunities for one lakh youth every year.
On extremism, Shah said that earlier governments had allegedly patronised extremist elements, but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country is now largely free from extremism.
Referring to the construction of the Ram temple, he said that despite opposition from various parties over the years, the project was completed during the Modi government’s tenure. He added that incidents similar to the Babri Masjid issue would not be allowed in Bengal.
Shah also spoke about stopping what he termed ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad’. Overall, the BJP used the meeting to make several promises while strongly criticising the Trinamul Congress during the rally in Dadpur.