Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) while addressing a politically charged rally in Singur, the site of the historic anti-land acquisition movement led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during her years in the opposition.
Addressing the gathering, Modi accused the state government of fostering lawlessness, obstructing development, and pursuing “anti-people” policies that have stalled investment in West Bengal. Without directly referring to Tata Nano’s exit from Singur that once reshaped Bengal’s political landscape, the Prime Minister stressed that industrial growth cannot take place in an atmosphere of fear and disorder.
“Investment requires rule of law, not mahajungleraj,” Modi said. “In Bengal, looters, rioters, and mafias are enjoying a free hand. Investment will be possible only when the rule of law is established—and that is not possible without the BJP coming to power in the state.”
Beginning his speech with “Jai Shri Ramakrishna Dev” instead of the customary “Jai Shri Ram,” Modi made a cultural outreach to the district, noting that Hooghly is home to the birthplace of the revered saint Sri Ramakrishna at Kamarpukur. Earlier in the day, he had visited the Kamakhya temple in Assam.
“People of Bengal want real change,” Modi said. “Everyone here wants to put an end to the misrule of the last 15 years.”
Seeking to connect with Bengali pride and heritage ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the Prime Minister highlighted what he described as the Centre’s efforts to promote Bengal’s language, culture, and icons. He said Bengali received classical language status only after the BJP came to power at the Centre and that Durga Puja was accorded UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status due to the Centre’s initiative.
He also cited national-level celebrations of figures such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Swami Vivekananda, asserting that the BJP balances development with cultural heritage.
Referring to Hooghly’s historical association with Vande Mataram, Modi recalled that the slogan was believed to have taken its complete form in the district under the pen of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Highlighting the state’s economic potential, Modi spoke of Bengal’s fertile land, rivers, coastline, and skilled workforce. He promised district-specific development plans under the BJP and said traditional industries such as Dhaniakhali sarees, jute, and handicrafts would be promoted under the ‘One District, One Product’ scheme. He also announced that stricter policies on plastic use would further boost the eco-friendly jute industry.
The Prime Minister accused the TMC government of blocking central welfare schemes due to political rivalry. “They oppose Modi or the BJP, but in doing so they are opposing the youth, farmers, fishermen, and mothers and sisters of Bengal,” he said. He specifically alleged that a digital platform for fishermen and other central initiatives were being obstructed in the state.
Drawing a parallel with Delhi politics, Modi said governments that block development are eventually “punished by time,” claiming that Bengal’s voters were ready for change.
He also highlighted steps taken by the Centre to honour Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, including the installation of his statue at Kartavya Path, naming of islands in Andaman and Nicobar after him, and restructuring Republic Day celebrations to begin on Netaji’s birth anniversary.
During the event, Modi inaugurated three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train, including a service through the new Jairambati–Baragopinathpur–Maynapur railway line. He also laid the foundation stone for the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh in Hooghly, and announced plans to expand river-based tourism in the state.
Reiterating allegations of appeasement politics, Modi accused the TMC of protecting infiltrators for electoral gains and claimed that the state government was not cooperating in border fencing efforts. “Only the BJP can stop infiltration and send infiltrators back,” he said.
Also read: In Bengal, Modi targets TMC over women's safety, corruption
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