prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday intensified his attacks on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the government in West Bengal, while intensifying election campaigning in the state days before the first phase of polling on April 23.
Addressing four rallies across tribal belts of Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram and Belda in West Midnapore, Modi said the BJP would come to power in the state after elections in two phases. “I am speaking from my political experience. I have felt the enthusiasm of the people. It is certain that the BJP will form the government. Many areas will not have TMC MLAs anymore,” he said at his fourth rally in Belda.
Modi portrayed the election as a broader battle over Bengal’s identity, language and culture, and accused the TMC of favoring “infiltrators”, neglecting tribals, controlling corruption and “money-down” policies.
Modi’s advance in south Bengal – where the TMC has largely held its ground since 2014 – signals the BJP’s attempt to expand beyond its stronghold in north Bengal, where it won 30 of the 54 assembly seats in 2021. In all four rallies, Modi focused on women and tribal voters, Prime Minister Mamata Banerjee’s key constituencies. On a short stop in Jhargram, he stepped out to interact with locals and eat Mori food at a roadside shop.
In Bankura, Modi accused the TMC and Congress of opposing women’s political empowerment, referring to the government’s legislative defeat in Parliament on Friday. “The Bengal sisters wanted 33% reservation… but the TMC does not want more women to become MPs and MPs,” he said.
He also targeted the state government over its reservation policies and alleged neglect of the Karmi community, which has been demanding Scheduled Tribe status. Referring to President Draupadi Murmu, Modi accused the TMC of disrespecting tribal communities, citing a disagreement during her visit to the state in March.
The Prime Minister outlined the welfare promises made in the BJP manifesto, including financial assistance to women, housing support, and schemes for tribal and marginal communities. He also accused the TMC of obstructing central plans and promoting a “syndicalism” culture.
Mamata Banerjee responded to these statements in a post on X, saying that her party has consistently supported women’s political representation. “The question of opposing women’s reservation is not on the table,” she said, adding that her party opposes delimitation-related changes that could “alter” the federal balance.
Union Minister JP Nadda and BJP leader Nitin Nabin also targeted the TMC in separate rallies. The marches come amid a loud campaign ahead of the first phase of voting on April 23, with both sides intensifying their messaging in key battleground areas. The results will be announced on May 4.
