'People of PoK will demand to live with India': Rajnath Singh

“Don't worry. PoK was ours, is ours and will remain ours,” Singh said on Sunday while addressing a rally in West Bengal's Darjeeling, where the BJP has fielded sitting MP Raju Bista as its candidate.

“India's power is growing… India's prestige is growing around the world, and our economy is progressing rapidly. Now our brothers and sisters in PoK will themselves demand to come together with India.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also criticized the Trinamool Congress over the recent incidents in Sandeshkhali, saying that a government in which women are not safe should not remain in power.

“The law and order situation in West Bengal has deteriorated to a great extent. If you want to develop any state then the first condition is to improve the laws and conditions there. But the situation is different in Bengal. Look at the incidents in Sandeshkhali. A government under whose rule women are not safe should not remain in power,” Singh said while addressing a public meeting in Darjeeling, West Bengal.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday left for Siachen where he will interact with the armed forces deployed in the area.

In a post on Twitter, Rajnath Singh said, “Leaving New Delhi for Siachen. Look forward to interacting with our courageous armed forces personnel deployed there.”

The Defense Minister's visit to Siachen comes a week after the Indian Army celebrated the 40th anniversary of the famous 'Operation Meghdoot' which was launched by the Indian Army to take control of the Siachen Glacier by thwarting Pakistan's attempts to capture it. .

West Bengal has traditionally been a stronghold of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, TMC emerged as the dominant force in the state, securing 34 seats. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win only 2 seats. CPI(M) and Congress won 2 and 4 seats respectively.

However, the 2019 elections saw a significant change in the political landscape. BJP won 18 seats, which is completely different from their previous seats. TMC, though still in the lead, saw their seat tally drop to 22. Congress representation was reduced to only 2 seats, while the Left Front was unable to gain any seats.

Voting is taking place in all seven phases in West Bengal. Voting is to be held in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Darjeeling on 26 April.

Counting of votes will take place on June 4.