Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing West Bengal’s ruling party of encouraging hooliganism and failing to act against infiltration, which he said had altered the state’s demographic and social fabric.
Addressing a rally in Malda after inaugurating India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Kamakhya in Assam, Modi alleged that the TMC government had allowed illegal immigration to continue unchecked while intimidating ordinary citizens.
“The main problem in Bengal is infiltration. They need to be driven out. But the TMC government does not want it,” the Prime Minister said. He claimed that infiltration had led to a steady rise in population in districts such as Malda and Murshidabad, affecting local language and culture.
Modi accused the TMC and its “syndicates” of oppressing the poor and fostering a climate of fear. He alleged that demographic changes in several regions were the result of deliberate inaction by the state government.
Seeking to reassure the Matua community, a Hindu sect comprising refugees from Bangladesh, amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Modi said there was no threat to their citizenship or voting rights. “Those who are our refugees have nothing to fear. This is Modi’s guarantee,” he said, adding that the Constitution had secured their place in the country.
Highlighting infrastructure initiatives, Modi said West Bengal had received “half a dozen trains” on Saturday, including the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper service and four Amrit Bharat trains. He said the projects would accelerate development in the state.
Also read: PM in WB: Rail and road projects worth over ₹3,250-cr unveiled
At the same time, Modi accused the TMC government of diverting central funds meant for housing and drinking water schemes. He also alleged that the state government was obstructing the implementation of the Centre’s free electricity scheme. “I want millions of families in West Bengal to benefit from this scheme and have zero electricity bills,” he said.
Raising local concerns, the Prime Minister said people in Malda were suffering due to erosion caused by the Ganga and Fulhar rivers and claimed that flood relief had failed to reach those affected. He also alleged that lack of employment opportunities had forced residents to migrate to other states.
Modi accused the TMC of relying on muscle power, claiming violence was spreading across Malda, Murshidabad and other districts. Referring to the alleged harassment of a woman journalist, he said women were unsafe under the TMC government, even in educational institutions.
“This situation must change. Your single vote has that power,” he told the gathering.
Expressing confidence ahead of the Assembly elections, Modi said the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal. He promised support for mango and jute farmers in Malda, including new cold storage facilities and promotion of food processing units.
“The BJP can bring real change to Bengal. Now the state needs good governance,” Modi said, urging voters to pledge for change.
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