With Phase II of the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jattvibeday combined a welfare pitch centred on women with sharp criticism of the Trinamool Congress government, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah warned of strict action against those attempting to influence voters.Addressing rallies in Hooghly, Bangaon and North 24 Parganas, along with holding a roadshow in Kolkata, Modi said a BJP government would provide 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs and transfer Rs 36,000 annually into their bank accounts.“Empowering women is our top priority. We want to expand both security and opportunities for our sisters and daughters,” he said.He said around 75 lakh women would be supported under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme to earn more than Rs 1 lakh annually, with collateral-free bank loans of up to Rs 20 lakh.Modi also announced welfare measures including free healthcare cover of up to Rs 5 lakh, free tests and vaccines for breast and cervical cancer, Rs 21,000 assistance during pregnancy and Rs 50,000 support for daughters’ education.Questioning the state government’s functioning, the Prime Minister referred to the alleged coal scam and said the Supreme Court had taken the matter seriously, observing that interference in an investigation was a threat to democracy.Referring to the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case and the teacher recruitment scam, he said courts had to intervene because people had lost faith in the state administration.“This government does not function from Nabanna. It either runs at the behest of goons or acts only after orders from the High Court and Supreme Court,” he said.Modi also raised concerns over law and order, alleging repeated incidents of rape, murder and violence involving those linked to the ruling party. He cited Sandeshkhali and other high-profile cases, saying women had suffered most under what he termed “Jungle Raj”.At a rally in Nadia’s Ranaghat, Shah warned those trying to intimidate voters to stay indoors on polling day.He said that if the BJP came to power in Bengal, it would form a special squad to stop cattle smuggling, identify illegal infiltrators and ensure stronger law enforcement.Polling for the second phase will be held on April 29, while counting is scheduled for May 4.