Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday made a strong pitch for the BJP ahead of the second phase of voting in West Bengal. Addressing a public rally in Barrackpore, he described it as his final campaign event in the state and expressed confidence in the party’s performance. He added that he would return to attend the BJP’s oath-taking ceremony, signaling optimism about the party forming the government.
"This is my last rally in this election. I'm going back with the confidence that I will definitely attend the BJP's swearing-in ceremony after the May 4 results. And that only increases my enthusiasm. I was coming here from the helipad. It was about a two-kilometre stretch. There was such a huge crowd on both sides. I can't imagine thousands of people coming to bless me so early in the morning," he said.
PM Modi attacks TMC
PM Modi launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that industrial activity in the state has declined and factories have shut down under its governance.
He said that the TMC government lacks a clear roadmap for the future development of West Bengal. Emphasising the need for a “double-engine government,” Modi argued that faster growth would be possible only when the state and Centre work in coordination.
Targeting the ruling party further, he alleged that the TMC’s “syndicate system” must be dismantled. He also accused the party of relying on intimidation and abusive politics rather than constructive governance.
State unsafe for women: PM Modi
PM Modi urged women voters to reflect on the performance of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) while casting their votes, alleging that the party had failed to uphold their trust.
He said that the TMC had made the state unsafe for women and had not respected the mandate given by the people. He asked voters to remember instances of alleged wrongdoing and intimidation carried out in the name of the TMC.
Kolkata’s identity impacted
Referring to past promises, he remarked that the TMC had pledged to develop Kolkata on the lines of London, but according to him, over the past 15 years, the city's identity had changed negatively. He also alleged that illegal infiltration had been allowed to settle in the city.
He appealed to residents of Kolkata to work collectively to preserve the city’s original identity.
Urging support for his party, he called on voters to choose the “lotus symbol,” stating that it would ensure better law and order, allowing women to move freely and safely even at night, and ensuring justice for women who have faced wrongdoing.
Addressing the youth of the state, Modi announced five key guarantees focused on employment and welfare:
Modi’s five guarantees for West Bengal youth:
- Timely government recruitment – All state government hiring processes will be completed on schedule.
- Filling of vacant posts – All existing government vacancies will be filled without delay.
- Employment linked with skills and content – Job creation will be aligned with skill development.
- 7th Pay Commission benefits – Employees in West Bengal will receive benefits under the 7th Pay Commission framework.
- G-RAM-G rural employment scheme – The rural employment initiative will be implemented to boost job opportunities in villages.
West Bengal Assembly Election 2026
The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, which took place on April 23, recorded a whopping turnout of 93.19 per cent, the highest ever in the state, the Election Commission said on Saturday.
The second phase of voting is scheduled for April 29, and the results will be announced on May 4.
