Former Union Minister and BJP MP Anurag Thakur Attacks TMC, Praises Armed Forces and Promotes Sports Culture During Mandi Visit.
He Said Only Rule of Law Will Prevail in Bengal”; Calls IPL a Major Platform for Young Cricketers.
Shimla:
Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal during his one-day informal visit to Mandi on Sunday, accusing the party of fostering violence and criminal politics in the state.
Addressing media persons and party workers, Anurag Singh Thakur termed the Trinamool Congress a “terror, murder and crime party” and alleged that the people of West Bengal had suffered under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
He claimed that the political atmosphere in the state was changing and asserted that Bengal would move towards development under a “double-engine government” led by the BJP.
“Only Law Will Prevail in Bengal”
Criticizing the political culture in West Bengal, Anurag Singh Thakur said that the era of intimidation and violence associated with TMC politics would come to an end.
“Politics symbolized by the slogan ‘where there is a TMC flag, there are ten goons’ will no longer continue. In the coming time, only the rule of law will prevail in Bengal,” he said.
The BJP MP further alleged that the state government had attempted to create confusion and fear among people over issues related to food habits such as fish and rice consumption. He said BJP leaders had personally visited Bengal and interacted with people to counter what he described as “misinformation campaigns.”
According to him, the people of West Bengal responded by extending support to the BJP.
“Operation Sindoor Showed Bravery of Indian Forces”
Speaking on the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Anurag Singh Thakur praised the courage and professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces and said the military operation demonstrated India’s strength and strategic capability.
He described the operation as a symbol of the bravery of Indian soldiers while accusing opposition parties of making irresponsible statements that, according to him, weaken India’s position internationally.
“The irresponsible remarks made by opposition leaders give Pakistan an opportunity to raise questions against India on foreign platforms. National security and the armed forces should not become subjects of cowardly or irresponsible political commentary,” he said.
The former Union Minister claimed that during the operation, Indian forces inflicted heavy damage on Pakistan within a matter of hours and demonstrated their military superiority before the world.
Visits IPL Fan Park at Paddal Ground
During his visit, Anurag Singh Thakur also reached the historic Paddal Ground in Mandi, where he interacted with cricket enthusiasts and inspected the Tata IPL Fan Park 2026 organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association.
The BJP leader was seen enthusiastically wielding the bat and playing cricket shots at the venue, drawing cheers from the crowd and youth present at the event.
Appreciating the initiative, he said that the Indian Premier League has emerged as one of the biggest platforms for young cricketers aspiring to represent Team India.
“Several players who began their journey through IPL are today representing India at the international level,” he remarked.
He also highlighted how IPL broadcasting in regional languages and local dialects has significantly expanded the tournament’s reach and popularity across different states.
According to Anurag Singh Thakur, initiatives such as Fan Parks are helping connect youth and sports lovers with cricket culture while encouraging greater participation and enthusiasm for sports among the younger generation.
On his arrival in Mandi, Thakur received warm welcome from Raja Singh Malohtra, Vice president Himachal Hockey Association, Ajay Rana, District Cricket Association president and cricket fans.
