Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a dig at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her reaction to his video of relishing ‘Jhal Muri’ (a local spicy snack) in Bengal. Addressing a rally in Nadia, which will go to polls on April 28 in the second phase, Modi said, “On May 4 the victory celebrations for the BJP will take place in Bengal as well. Sweets will be distributed, and ‘Jhal Muri’ will be handed out too.”
Taking a swipe at CM Banerjee, the PM further added, “Incidentally, I have heard that ‘Jhal Muri’ has already delivered a stunning shock to certain people… ‘Jhal Muri maine khaayi lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai’ (I ate jhal muri, but it’s the TMC that got the burn)…”
Reacting to Modi’s video of relishing jhalmuri, CM Banerjee had called it a staged drama. She claimed that a microphone and camera were pre-installed, jhalmuri was specially arranged with SPG assistance.
Referring to the first phase of polling in Bengal, Modi said that the election in Bengal is first of its kind in the last 50 years in which violence has been kept to an absolute minimum.
“Previously, it was common practice to hang someone every week and simply claim it was a suicide. In many respects, a regime of lawlessness and hooliganism prevailed,” he said.
The Prime Minister also extended his “heartfelt congratulations to the Election Commission; they have once again restored the dignity of democracy on the soil of Bengal”
Referring to reports, Modi said that the turnout is shattering all previous records and that it is a signal of BJP’s victory.
“I also commend the government employees here… Based on the information I have received so far, voter turnout is shattering all previous records,” he said.