The Prime Minister’s speech in Thakurnagar in West Bengal lasted only 14 minutes due to disturbance in the crowd who jostled for space in the packed stadium to see Narendra Modi.

As PM Modi began his speech in this bastion of the influential Matua community, a mini-stampeded erupted in one part of the stadium. Television cameras captured enthusiastic supporters trying to climb over the barricades to catch a glimpse of the PM.

“I request you…there is no space in the ground. Our own people are facing problems (due to the rush). Don’t do this… don’t do this. I bow before your appreciation (for me) but this ground is small,” the PM said urging the sea of supporters not to jump the barricades.

According to NDTV, some people in the crowd were injured due to the mini-stampede. The speech was reportedly cut short to prevent any further disturbance.

But appreciating the turnout and hitting at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Modi said, “Ye drishya dekhne ke baad ab mujhe samajh mein aa raha hai ki Didi hinsa pe kyun utar aayi hain. (Witnessing this turnout, I now understand why Didi has resorted to violence.)”

At his second rally in Durgapur, the PM spoke about the turnout at Thakurnagar, which he said was almost double than the capacity of the ground where the rally was held.

“I bow to the enthusiasm of the people of Thakurnagar. At the same time, I seek forgiveness from the people who had to face difficulties due to the disturbances,” he said at Durgapur.

“You love for me is my strength but with love should be patience,” PM Modi said telling the gathering to control their excitement.

Thousands of BJP supporters enthusiastically welcomed the PM at Durgapur at the rally.

“Patience is essential because the kind of behaviour the state government and the TMC is doing to BJP workers will obviously pain you,” Modi said referring to BJP-TMC clashes in the state.

Earlier, PM Modi praised the Matua sect founder Harichand Thakur for his contribution to society.

Matuas with an estimated population of 30 lakh in West Bengal have influence in at least five Lok Sabha seats in North and South 24 Parganas districts.

In a bid to woo the people, the Prime Minister said the people will not be required to pay any ‘syndicate tax’ and the money to the farmers will be directly paid to their bank accounts.

Read More | No need to pay ‘syndicate’ tax: PM Modi woos voters in WB’s Thakurnagar ahead of LS polls

“We know how you all are harassed by the ‘syndicate’. How systematic extortion happens here in Bengal. All that will end now. The Central government has started direct benefit transfers. You will no longer have to worry about the middlemen and ‘syndicates’ troubling you and taking your money. You will receive it directly in your bank accounts,” PM Modi said.