Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) while addressing a public rally in Siliguri ahead of the West Bengal Assembly election 2026, alleging
discrimination against North Bengal and asserting that political change in the state is “certain”.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of ignoring development needs in the region and prioritising “appeasement politics”.
“The budget of the ruthless TMC government is also an example of discrimination against North Bengal. This ruthless government allocated a budget of approximately Rs 6,000 crore for madrasas. But the Bengal government does not allocate enough budget for the development of such a vast part of North Bengal. The TMC is busy day and night appeasing its own special vote bank,” PM Modi said.
He further alleged that the state government failed to respond effectively when heavy rains caused damage in several districts of North Bengal.
“When heavy rains wreaked havoc in many districts of North Bengal, there was chaos everywhere. At that time, the ruthless TMC government was celebrating in Kolkata. TMC is an anti-North Bengal party,” he said.
‘AFTER MAY 4, TMC WILL HAVE TO GIVE ACCOUNT OF EVERY RUPEE’
Escalating his criticism of the ruling party, the Prime Minister said the TMC would be held accountable for its governance record if the BJP comes to power after the elections.
“Listen carefully, TMC. After May 4, a BJP government will be formed, and the TMC will have to give account for every single year of the last 15 years, every rupee,” PM Modi said.
Targeting the state government over infrastructure issues, PM Modi said North Bengal had been deliberately kept backwards.
“Siliguri is the gateway of North Bengal, but the TMC government has deliberately kept North Bengal’s infrastructure backwards. Whether it is connectivity, industry, or tourism, every sector has been neglected. The funds sent by the Central Government were also misused by these syndicate groups,” he said.
‘BENGAL DETERMINED FOR CHANGE’
Highlighting what he described as growing support for the BJP, the Prime Minister referred to the turnout during his visit and said the public mood indicated a desire for political change.
“Yesterday evening in Siliguri, when I was leaving Bagdogra, some colleagues told me that they wanted to hold a small roadshow of 500 to 700 meters. I said, brother, if you hold a roadshow today and a public meeting tomorrow, where will the people come from? But instead of 500–700 meters, the roadshow went on for 15 kilometres,” he said.
“Yesterday I visited different parts of Bengal. What I saw there, the enthusiasm, energy, and excitement among the youth, mothers, sisters, and elderly people, as well as villagers, was remarkable. People had come after facing great difficulties and had walked for miles. Bengal is now determined for change. This time, it is certain that the TMC will go,” he added.
The Prime Minister also thanked supporters present at the rally and spoke about the response he received during the visit.
“A large number of elderly people, including grandparents, were present and gave their blessings. Such good fortune is rarely seen. I bow my head and express my gratitude to all the citizens of this region,” he said.
BJP SEEKS TO CONSOLIDATE SUPPORT IN NORTH BENGAL
PM Modi addressed the rally at Kawakhali Ground in Siliguri in support of BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh and other party nominees in North Bengal, as the party looks to strengthen its position in the region.
The Prime Minister has intensified campaigning in West Bengal since the Election Commission announced the poll schedule in mid-March.
On Saturday, he addressed rallies at Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district, Jangipur in Murshidabad district, and Kushmandi in Dakshin Dinajpur.
Earlier this week, he also held rallies in Haldia, Asansol and Suri, where he raised issues including “industrial decay” and the “infiltration menace” in the state.
PM Modi had launched his campaign on April 5 from Cooch Behar, accusing the ruling party of fostering “lawlessness”.
REFERENCES TO CULTURE AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
During the rally, PM Modi also referred to artworks brought by supporters at the venue.
“I see that the land of Bengal is a land of art. Many artist friends have brought beautiful paintings, and someone even portrayed me as a Nepali in their artwork. I appeal to those who have brought paintings; if your address is written on the back, I will send you a thank-you letter,” he said.
Expressing appreciation for the gathering, he added, “Your love and enthusiasm are priceless to me. I truly appreciate it, and it has touched my heart. You have won my heart… Then you are surely going to win the election.”
The rally forms part of the BJP’s broader campaign push in the poll-bound state, with the party aiming to expand its support base in North Bengal and intensify its challenge to the ruling TMC.
