With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an aggressive campaign in the state, addressing the first of his three scheduled rallies in Katwa, East Burdwan. From the podium, Modi mounted a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of obstructing key Central welfare schemes and depriving the people of Bengal of their rightful benefits.
Without naming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directly, the Prime Minister alleged that the state government had systematically blocked initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the PM Vishwakarma scheme. He claimed that while beneficiaries in states like Assam and Bihar have received training and financial assistance under central programmes, artisans and workers in Bengal have been left out.
Issuing a direct electoral promise, Modi declared that if the BJP forms the government after the results on May 4, the Ayushman Bharat scheme would be implemented in the state during the very first cabinet meeting.
“This is Modi’s guarantee,” he asserted.
A significant portion of the Prime Minister’s address focused on the concerns of the Matua community and refugee groups, which have recently been at the centre of political debate in the state. Reports of alleged exclusion of names from voter lists—particularly in areas like Rajarhat–New Town—have triggered discontent among sections of the community.
Seeking to reassure them, Modi emphasised that the rights of Matuas and other refugee communities are protected by the Constitution. Referring to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he stated that the legislation was enacted to ensure dignity and legal protection for such groups, and assured that the process of granting citizenship would be expedited.
Political observers believe the outreach is aimed at countering a perceived shift in Matua support away from the BJP in key electoral belts stretching from Rajarhat to Bongaon.
The Prime Minister also outlined a broader development agenda, promising job opportunities, implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, and revival of all stalled central schemes if the BJP comes to power. He accused the TMC of spreading misinformation that existing state schemes would be discontinued under a BJP government, asserting instead that “only corruption will be stopped.”
Highlighting Bengal’s economic potential, Modi remarked that the state possesses abundant natural and agricultural resources but lacks effective governance. He specifically pointed to the fertile land of Burdwan, stating that despite its capacity for multiple harvests annually, its potential remains underutilised.
With high-voltage campaigning now underway, Modi’s rally in Katwa signals an intensified political battle in West Bengal, where welfare, identity, and governance are emerging as key electoral themes.
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