Highlights: Bring in BJP govt and development in Bengal, says Amit Shah in Kolkata

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Saturday morning to a musical welcome and noisy protests ahead of a public meeting to boost the saffron party’s footprint in West Bengal in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.The Kolkata airport became a scene of competition for both the saffron workers and ruling Trinamool Congress supporters laid out their own style of welcome.BJP workers staged a ‘kirtan’ (Bengali devotional song), complete with khol (two sided drums) and kartals in traditional style, to welcome their leader.Some were also seen playing the ektara, a one-stringed instrument typically used by bauls of wondering minstrels of Bengal.Here are the highlights:

2:27pm IST

BJP president Amit Shah in Kolkata on Saturday. (ANI/Twitter)

Amit Shah ends speech at rally

Calling for a BJP government in Bengal, Amit Shah ends speech with the chant “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.

2:25pm IST

Bring in Modi sarkar to better Bengal, says Shah

Amit Shah asks supporters to usher in a new government under Narendra Modi for a change.

2:23pm IST

Rabindra sangeet replaced by bomb explosions, claims Shah

“Earlier we used to hear the sound of ‘Rabindra Sangeet’ everyday in Bengal but now you hear only the sound of bomb explosions here,” says Amit Shah

2:20pm IST

Clear stand on refugees in Bengal, Shah tells Mamata

Trinamool Congress should clear its stand on refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, says Amit Shah. “What are you trying to do Bengal?” adds Shah.

2:15pm IST

Will you bring change to Bengal, Amit Shah asks

Amit Shah calls on BJP supporters to bring development to West Bengal. “Will you bring a change to Bengal? Uproot Mamata Banerjee and bring in development,” Shah says.

People cannot getaway with murder, says Shah

Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamoo Congress over the attacks on BJP workers. Says those who have committed murder cannot get away with it. “People will rise against them,” he says.

2:10pm IST

Shah says there should be NRC to prevent infiltrators

Amit Shah asks crowds gathered if they are bothered by the presence of infiltrators. “Are you worried or not? NRC helps prevent infiltration,” says Shah.

2:09pm IST

Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over NRC

Why is Mamata Banerjee protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators, questions BJP chief Amit Shah.

2:05pm IST

Will begin a movement to uproot Mamata: Shah

Amit Shah says he will travel to districts to begin a movement to uproot chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

2:03pm IST

We are not anti-Bengal, says Amit Shah

Amit Shah says how can the BJP be anti-Bengal? “How can BJP be anti-Bangla when BJP founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee himself was a Bengali. We are not Bangla virodhi but Mamata virodhi,” says Shah.

2pm IST

Amit Shah begins addressing rally

BJP president Amit Shah addresses BJP supporters in Kolkata.

1:43pm IST

‘Yuva Swabhiman Samavesh’ will uproot totalitarian TMC govt: Amit Shah

 

Have reached Kolkata where I will be addressing lakhs of young men and women who have come from all parts of West Bengal to attend the "Yuva Swabhiman Samavesh", an awakening that will uproot the undemocratic and totalitarian TMC government in the state. #BJPForSonarBangla pic.twitter.com/znV2I2qSFt— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 11, 2018

1:37am IST

Amit Shah arrives at rally venue

BJP National President Amit Shah has arrived at the rally venue

12:40pm IST

BJP supporters gather at rally venue

BJP supporters will listen to Amit Shah speak at the ‘Yuva Swabhiman Samavesh Rally’ in Kolkata.

Enthusiastic BJP supporters at 'Yuva Swabhiman Samavesh Rally' in Kolkata, West Bengal. #BJPForSonarBangla pic.twitter.com/gJGnNaBKsB— BJP LIVE (@BJPLive) August 11, 2018

12:10pm IST

Amit Shah arrives in Kolkata

BJP supporters turn up in droves to welcome party president at Kolkata airport.