New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharpened his political offensive against the Trinamool Congress during rallies in West Bengal, accusing the ruling party of altering the state’s cultural fabric, neglecting tribal regions and blocking women’s political empowerment.
Speaking in Purulia, Modi alleged that infiltration had led to changes in Bengal’s language and cultural identity. He criticised the government led by Mamata Banerjee for what he described as appeasement politics, claiming it had undermined tribal languages and communities while failing to deliver basic infrastructure and employment in districts such as Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram.
The Prime Minister also linked corruption to rising unemployment, alleging irregularities in teacher recruitment and accusing local syndicates of controlling land and economic activity. He positioned his party as a viable alternative, arguing that a “double engine” government at both the Centre and state would accelerate development and improve governance.
Turning to women’s issues, Modi criticised the ruling party for opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that aimed to reserve 33 percent seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies. He claimed the move denied women greater representation and asserted that voters would respond decisively in the upcoming assembly elections.
The proposed bill failed to secure the required two thirds majority in the Lok Sabha despite receiving substantial support. Modi used the development to highlight what he described as a contrast between his party’s commitment to women’s empowerment and the ruling party’s stance.
He also announced a series of welfare promises targeting women, including financial assistance for housing, healthcare coverage, and direct support for pregnant women and girl children’s education. Additional commitments were made for farmers, including higher support prices and increased financial aid.
Framing the 2026 election as a choice between development and misgovernance, Modi called for political change in the state, asserting that growing public dissatisfaction signalled a shift in voter sentiment across key regions.
