Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday used the occasion of Paschimbanga Divas celebrations in West Bengal to launch a sharp attack on previous governments in the state, alleging that those who had “looted public money” were now being forced to return it and face jail.
Addressing a gathering in Tarakeswar in Hooghly district, Modi said past regimes had held back the state's development and forced people to leave in search of opportunities elsewhere.
“We have been witness to how previous governments functioned. They pushed Bengal backwards and turned it into a land of exodus,” he said.
The Prime Minister claimed that development efforts had gathered pace and that the state was witnessing a renewed sense of optimism and progress.
“Those who had looted public money in Bengal are returning it now, and they are being sent to jail,” Modi said, adding that the ongoing transformation in the state reflected the strength of the democratic process.
The Prime Minister was participating in Paschimbanga Divas celebrations at Tarakeswar, where he was joined by senior BJP leaders, elected representatives and government officials.
During the programme, Modi released the 23rd instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme worth ₹18,880 crore, benefiting more than 9.44 crore farmers across the country. Under the scheme, eligible farmers received direct financial assistance through their bank accounts.
Farm schemes and insurance push
Modi also launched and highlighted several agriculture-focused initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Agri Stack, National Mission on Natural Farming and the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.
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In a significant move for West Bengal's farm sector, he launched PMFBY in the state. According to official estimates, the crop insurance scheme is expected to cover nearly 50 lakh farmers across about 14 lakh hectares of agricultural land during 2026-27.
The programme is projected to provide insurance protection for crops with an estimated insured value of around ₹28,140 crore while offering substantial premium support to farmers.
Rail and road projects unveiled
The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stones for railway projects worth around ₹590 crore.
In addition, he inaugurated 49 road infrastructure projects developed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III), covering more than 315 kilometres across various districts of West Bengal. The projects are aimed at improving rural connectivity and strengthening transport infrastructure in the state.
Modi said the initiatives would help accelerate development, improve connectivity and create new opportunities for farmers and rural communities across West Bengal.
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