Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday termed as hooliganism Bengal minister Gautam Deb’s alleged threat to a monk that he would be evicted if he didn’t vote for the Trinamul Congress and said the incident was the fallout of Mamata Banerjee’s 10-year rule.

Addressing an election rally at Kawakhali here, Modi said he had seen a video clip that showed “one of the close associates of Didi” threatening people.

“The minister was telling somebody that if he did not vote for Trinamul, he would be evicted. Do you think this can be done in a democracy? Even as the Prime Minister of this country, I can’t afford to speak to any of our citizens in such a way because democracy and law are here. This is complete hooliganism and is the fallout of Didi’s 10-year-long regime,” the Prime Minister said.

Political observers said it was interesting that the Prime Minister referred to a local issue. “The saffron camp seems to be picking up any issue that can be used against Trinamul in the election campaign,” said an observer.

Deb is considered the tallest leader of Mamata Banerjee’s party in north Bengal and is contesting from Dabgram-Fulbari Assembly seat. On Thursday, he was found telling a monk of his constituency to support Trinamul or else, face eviction.

Sudhakrishna Das Goswami, the monk, raised an ashram on a government plot and according to the tourism minister, the RSS and the BJP use the property for training and meetings.

The district administration of Jalpaiguri (where the seat is located) showcaused Deb on Friday.

Deb said on Saturday that he had replied to the showcause and Modi’s comments only betrayed the BJP’s desperation.

“I have never indulged in hooliganism and have always abided by law. The Prime Minister should have collected some details about me before making such remarks. People of north Bengal and the state as a whole will never buy what he has said about me,” said Deb.