PM Modi addresses massive rally in Kolkata, attacks TMC ahead of Assembly polls

Prime Minister Narendra arrived in Kolkata this afternoon to deliver a key note address to a massive rally which saw people gathered in flocks ahead of the Assembly polls that are scheduled to begin this month. His presence was complimented by Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty who earlier joined the party. The Prime Minister landed in the city around 2pm while the massive crowd had gathered at the venue hours before his arrival. The historic rally, probably one of the biggest of recent times, also saw presence of many BJP functionaries including the party's state in-charge

Kailash Vijayavargiya, National Vice-President Mukul Roy, General Secretary Sanjay Singh, and Rajya Sabha Swapan Dasgupta.

This is likely to be the first of the Prime Minister's 20-odd rallies across the state in the run-up to the polls, BJP sources informed ANI. Prior to the massive gathering, the BJP had announced its list of 57 candidates for the first phase of the assembly polls.

Here's some key takeaways from PM's rally:

*Previous state governments have harmed the economic development of West Bengal.This Brigade Parade Ground has been witness to many great leaders and also witnessed those who have disrupted West Bengal's progress. People of Bengal never left their hopes for change: PM Modi in Kolkata

Bengal wants 'shanti', 'sonar Bangla', 'pragatisheel Bangla': Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground

*Bengal's son Mithun Chakraborty is among us: PM Modi.

*The dream of 'sonar Bangla' will be fulfilled. Today, I have come here today to assure you of Bengal's development, to increase investment here, to protect Bengal's culture and to bring change: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata

*In this assembly election, there are TMC, Left and Congress along with their anti-Bengal attitude. On the other side, there are people of Bengal: PM Modi in Kolkata.

*The next 25 years are very important for development in West Bengal…In 2047, when India will celebrate 100 years of independence, West Bengal will lead the country once again: PM Modi in Kolkata

*I have come here to make you believe in 'Asol Poribortan'. Belief in West Bengal's development, in a change in West Bengal's situation, in increasing investment and industries in West Bengal, and in the reconstruction of West Bengal: PM Modi.

*“Since they (state government) couldn’t answer any questions, they also hid figures in this regard. People who talk about Maati, surrendered the state to the middlemen, the black marketers and the syndicates,” he said.

*I have known Didi since ages. She is not the same person who raised her voice against the Left. She speaks someone else's language noPM Mw & is being controlled: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground.

*"...a lot has been said about me.. sometimes Ravan, sometimes devil, sometimes goon.. Didi, why so angry?" says Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground.