Prime Minister Modi Addresses Storm Victims in North Bengal, BJP Attempts Damage Control

Finally speaking on the storm that destroyed portions of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar precisely one week ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed on Sunday.

When Modi arrived in Dhupguri Block on Sunday for a public meeting, he brought up the storm right away. Mainaguri and a few other places have sustained significant damage as a result of this storm. I'm sorry for the four people who lost their life in the event. "I hope they heal quickly," he added. "A few others were hurt and are currently receiving care.

Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister, arrived in Jalpaiguri seven hours after the incident. Additionally, she had mocked Modi for being silent about the catastrophe on April 4 when he was in Cooch Behar. Mamata had said, "The prime minister seems to have forgotten the natural calamity."

A few BJP officials have acknowledged that Trinamul was speedier in getting in touch with those affected by the cyclone. In contrast to Mamata and the leaders of her party, BJP activists and leaders were not present on the ground.

The BJP attempted to mitigate some of the damage on Sunday. Party leaders observed a minute of silence on the dais before to Modi's entrance as a way of honoring the four people who had perished in the storm.

The state BJP president, Sukanta Majumdar, greeted their families at the meeting location.

It was intended to bring the families to meet with the prime minister for a short while. However, the meeting could not be scheduled due to security concerns, according to a source.

"I have spoken to the families," said Majumdar. I'm unable to respond more since the model code of conduct is now in effect. Through an NGO, I have donated my whole month's pay toward relief efforts.

Samir Roy, a grieving family member, stated: "We need new houses and compensation for our crops because we are homeless." We are somewhat comforted after speaking with the state head of the BJP.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee persisted in emphasizing that the Election Commission of India (EC) was the reason why the homeless were not receiving new homes in spite of state attempts. Mamata said that the storm in north Bengal had destroyed almost 5,000 dwellings at a public assembly in Purulia.

"The Election Commission has been asked for approval by the state government to construct homes for them. The EC hasn't yet granted approval, however. Why is it refusing our request since we, not the BJP, are the ones who will make the payment? inquired Mamata.

Tea Party demonstration

On Sunday, workers at a federal government-owned tea plantation in Jalpaiguri stopped a road for nine hours, claiming they had not received their dues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the area that day and voiced his concerns over the north Bengal tea business.

The roadblock and Modi's meeting took place around 35 kilometers apart.

The Banarhat-Chamurchi route was blocked by more than 300 New Dooars tea plantation workers at about eight in the morning. The Union Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises oversees Andrew Yule & Company Limited, a public sector company that owns the garden.

"It has been seven weeks since we received our pay. Additionally, the Employees Provident Fund Organization has not yet received the PF contribution of around Rs 1 crore. One demonstrator said, "The Center has a garden that does not pay labor.

According to reports, the garden that produces CTC teas employs 1,558 regular workers.

While the roadblock persisted, Modi touched down in Dhupguri in a helicopter.

Bengal's tea industry is in ruins compared to the other tea-producing states in the nation. Employees are dealing with a number of annoyances. In his address, Modi said, "Many gardens are closing, and the state government here is not doing anything for the sector."