Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Kolkata, chose to speak in Bangla to strike a chord with the people of West Bengal — a strategy he has used in other states as well by switching to the local language. Using the slogan “Trinamool jaabe, poriborton hobey” (Trinamool will go and change will happen), he targeted the Mamata Banerjee government and stressed the need for what he called “real change” in the state.
With Assembly elections due next year, the Prime Minister reminded the gathering that Bengal has witnessed successive stretches of rule — first under the Congress, later the Left, and most recently, the Trinamool Congress. “The state urgently needs a new beginning and transformative progress. After independence, Bengal spent decades under Congress and then the Left. Fifteen years ago, people demanded change through the slogan of Maa, Maati, Maanush. But that promise of change has not materialised,” he said.
PM Modi alleged that Bengal’s growth had been severely hampered under Trinamool Congress rule, which began in 2011 after it unseated the Left Front. He claimed that corruption scandals, particularly in recruitment, have damaged the future of the youth, while crimes against women have risen. “The rule of the TMC has become synonymous with corruption and lawlessness. Bengal’s progress will remain blocked as long as the Trinamool stays in power,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister also accused the state government of siphoning off central funds meant for welfare and development. “The BJP is needed in Bengal if true development has to take place. Funds meant for projects are looted by the Trinamool and diverted to its cadres instead of being spent for the people’s benefit. That is why Bengal continues to lag behind,” he charged.
Criticising the Mamata Banerjee government for obstructing central schemes, he said, “The Trinamool Congress has turned itself into an obstacle to development. It refused to join the Centre’s smart city mission and blocks initiatives that could benefit the people. Their only mission is to stop the BJP. But can this kind of politics bring prosperity to Bengal? Give us a chance, and we will deliver all-round development,” he appealed.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth ₹5,200 crore. These included three new metro stretches in Kolkata and an elevated corridor in Howrah.