Birbhum, April 20 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday hit out at the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that the state has lagged in development despite being in power for over a decade, and urged voters to bring about political change in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said, "The people of West Bengal gave the TMC three consecutive chances. I believe 15 years is not a short time for a state's development. There are many states in the country that have rapidly developed their states in just five to eight years. West Bengal's contribution to the country's economy, which used to be 10%, has dwindled to 5% after the TMC came to power."

The Defence Minister alleged that people in the st...