PM Modi pitches BJP as Bengal’s only alternative
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress, declaring that West Bengal is ready to bid farewell to what he termed the party’s “maha jungle raj”, and pitching the BJP as the only alternative capable of restoring governance, development and security in the state.
Addressing a large rally in Singur ahead of this year’s Assembly elections, Modi said the BJP-led NDA had already ended “jungle raj” in Bihar and asserted that Bengal would follow the same path. Urging voters to bring about political change, he called on the crowd to take a pledge: “Paltano dorkar, chai BJP sorkaar” (Change is necessary, a BJP government is needed).
The Prime Minister accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of blocking central welfare schemes and allowing lawlessness, syndicate culture and corruption to flourish. He said the Trinamool Congress was making ordinary Bengalis suffer because of its hostility towards the BJP and the Centre.
Highlighting his government’s initiatives, Modi said it was under BJP rule that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was honoured nationally — with a statue at India Gate, recognition for the Azad Hind Fauj at the Red Fort, and islands in the Andaman and Nicobar renamed after Netaji. He also noted that the Bengali language received classical language status and Durga Puja was accorded UNESCO World Heritage recognition during BJP rule at the Centre.
“These leaders were partners in the UPA government for years. Why didn’t they do any of this then?” Modi asked, asserting that his government’s actions reflected a deep respect for Bengal’s culture and heritage.
The Prime Minister said Bengal’s economic potential remained underutilised despite its rivers, coastline, fertile land and skilled population. He promised that a BJP government would unlock district-level potential and accelerate development.
Citing the fishing sector as an example, Modi said lakhs of families in Bengal depended on fisheries, yet exports remained far below potential due to lack of state cooperation with a central digital platform designed to support fishermen. He accused the Trinamool government of deliberately denying benefits to the people.
Modi also alleged that Bengal’s education system had been “captured by mafias and corruption”, warning that students would continue to suffer unless the TMC was voted out. Referring to incidents of violence, including Sandeshkhali, he said only a BJP government could ensure safety, justice and accountability.
On law and order, the Prime Minister said Bengal would not see industrial growth until the “free hand given to rioters and syndicates” was ended. He accused the TMC of playing with national security and appeasing infiltrators for vote-bank politics.
Drawing parallels with recent electoral defeats of opposition parties elsewhere, Modi said Indian voters had “woken up” and would punish governments that obstruct development. He called for the formation of a BJP-led “double-engine government” in West Bengal, describing it as his guarantee for development, security and good governance.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
- ‘Paltano dorkar, chai BJP sorkaar’: PM Modi launches all-out attack on TMC at Singur rally - January 18, 2026
- Karur stampede case: CBI calls Vijay again for questioning - January 18, 2026
- Congress gave Assam land to infiltrators for votes: PM Modi - January 18, 2026
