**Mamata Claims Edge After High Turnout, Targets Modi and Shah**
*CM Says TMC in “Driver’s Seat,” Questions BJP Leaders’ Presence on Poll Day*
Kolkata, April 23
Hailing the high voter turnout in the first phase of the Assembly elections on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that her party would retain its advantage, even as she launched sharp attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for being present in the state on polling day.
Addressing a campaign rally at Chowringhee in central Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress supremo said the strong turnout reflected people’s determination to protect their rights. “If I can read the public pulse, we are already in the driver’s seat,” she said, adding that the BJP would soon face political challenges at the Centre.
Banerjee also criticised Modi for making remarks about the election during polling. “How can you predict victory on polling day? Let the people decide,” she said, taking a swipe at his campaign style.
Targeting Shah, she alleged that his presence in the state was intended to pressure the administration. “They do not have workers on the ground, so they resort to such tactics,” she claimed, questioning the legitimacy of prolonged stays by leaders who are not voters in the state.
The chief minister further rejected criticism of governance in West Bengal, arguing that development must be inclusive and not limited to the wealthy.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
