‘This election is about saving Bengal’s soul’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the upcoming election in West Bengal would be about “saving the soul of Bengal.” Addressing the Brigade rally, he alleged that institutions trying to conduct fair elections are being questioned and criticised the Trinamool Congress for raising doubts even during events like the Balakot airstrike.

Modi said the large turnout at the rally reflected a growing political awakening among the people of the state. He added that discussions about change were being heard from Darjeeling in North Bengal to Kolkata, and asserted that when people decide to bring change, no one can stop it.

'How dare BJP leaders speak this way?' TMC fumes over Mithun Chakraborty's remark

The TMC alleged that Mithun Chakraborty threatened Chief Minister of physical harm from the stage during his Brigade rally speech, on Saturday. Hitting back at the BJP leader, Trinamool Congress said that publicly threatening a sitting woman CM was "beyond irresponsible and outrageous". "Time and again, BJP leaders have used cheap, derogatory language against women in public, including Smt. @mamataofficial, the democratically elected Chief Minister of West Bengal. But publicly threatening harm to a sitting woman Chief Minister from a political stage is beyond irresponsible, it is outrageous. How dare BJP leaders speak this way about a woman who has been elected by the people of Bengal again and again? This is the real face behind their hollow slogans of "Nari Shakti". Respect for women clearly means nothing to them. Bengal will not tolerate threats, intimidation, or this toxic misogyny directed at our Chief Minister."

People have not forgotten RG Kar hospital incident: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said people in West Bengal have not forgotten incidents such as the RG Kar Hospital case and the violence in Sandeshkhali. Addressing the Brigade rally, Modi said people had once removed the Left government hoping for change and placed their trust in the Trinamool Congress. However, he alleged that the ruling party had taken in the same “goons” from the previous regime and that law and order had deteriorated in the state. He also claimed that in many crimes in the state, the accused are either Trinamool leaders or people linked to the party, adding that incidents of atrocities against women and children continue to occur.

‘Youth getting neither degrees nor jobs’ says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the West Bengal government, saying the state’s youth are neither receiving proper education nor employment opportunities. He alleged that many young people are being forced to leave the state in search of work. Modi also said that governments led by Congress, CPM and Trinamool Congress had only filled their own pockets while Bengal’s development stalled. He claimed investment in the state had declined and accused the Trinamool government of selling jobs, adding that it was time to change the situation.

‘Countdown to end of jungle raj has begun’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the “countdown to the end of jungle raj in West Bengal has begun.” Addressing the Brigade rally, he alleged that attempts were made to stop supporters from attending the gathering by blocking bridges and vehicles and removing BJP flags. Modi said that despite these efforts, the large turnout showed the rally could not be stopped. He added that rule of law would soon be restored in the state and warned that those responsible for alleged atrocities would be held accountable.

Samik Bhattacharya addresses Brigade rally

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya addressed the gathering at Brigade Parade Ground in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his speech, he said the party’s main goal is the 2026 Assembly election, adding that the BJP aims to remove the Trinamool Congress from power. Bhattacharya also said that only citizens of the country should remain in the voter list, emphasising the party’s stance on the issue.

Suvendu Adhikari addresses Brigade rally

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi by presenting him with a traditional shawl before addressing the gathering. Adhikari said the rally should mark a resolve for political change in West Bengal, adding that the Prime Minister had gifted the state development projects worth ₹18,000 crore. He also expressed confidence that the BJP would restore Bengal’s lost glory and form a double-engine government under Modi’s leadership.

PM Modi on stage at Brigade

After completing the official programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the political rally stage at Brigade Parade Ground.

PM Modi calls for building ‘Viksit Bangla’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for building a “Viksit Bangla” (Developed Bengal) while addressing the gathering. He said that along with roads and railways, ports and waterways are equally important for development. Modi noted that ports like Kolkata and Haldia have long supported trade in eastern India and said efforts are underway to increase cargo capacity at Kidderpore Dock. He added that Bengal has always shown direction to the country and expressed confidence that the state will once again become a “Viksit Bangla.”

PM Modi launches ₹18,000 crore projects in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹18,000 crore in Kolkata, saying it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the development of eastern India. He said the initiatives would transform West Bengal and the eastern region, benefiting lakhs of people and boosting infrastructure and connectivity.

PM Modi reaches Brigade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Brigade Parade Ground. An official programme is currently underway, after which he is expected to proceed to the political rally stage.

Mithun Chakraborty speaks at Brigade rally

Actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty addressed the gathering at Brigade Parade Ground. During his speech, he criticised the state government’s Yuvashree scheme, taking a dig at the ₹1,500 financial assistance provided under the programme.

PM Modi’s helicopter spotted over Brigade

During Dilip Ghosh’s speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s helicopter was seen flying over Brigade Parade Ground. Ghosh urged supporters in the crowd to wave flags and welcome the Prime Minister.

Dilip Ghosh addresses Brigade rally

Former West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh addressed the gathering at Brigade Parade Ground and criticised the state government, urging people to bring the BJP to power in West Bengal. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given the state 12 trains in the last two months and would announce projects worth ₹600 crore. Highlighting infrastructure development, Ghosh said the first Vande Bharat sleeper train was given to Bengal and several airports had been developed, improving connectivity in the state. He alleged that industrialists avoid investing in West Bengal due to the current government and accused the police of favouring the ruling party.

PM Modi arrives in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft has landed at Kolkata airport after addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam. He was received at the airport by West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty.

Former judge, senior BJP leaders present on Brigade stage

Former Calcutta High Court judge and BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay is present on the stage at Brigade Parade Ground. Senior leader Tathagata Roy is also at the venue. Former West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has reached the stage, along with actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty, who is also attending the rally.

Locket Chatterjee addresses Brigade rally

BJP leader Locket Chatterjee addressed the gathering at Brigade Parade Ground. She said that during the party’s Parivartan Yatra, they felt strong public support for the BJP. Chatterjee expressed confidence that the party would bring political change in the state, saying people were standing with them.

Sukanta Majumdar addresses Brigade rally

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar addressed the gathering at Brigade Parade Ground and sharply criticised the Trinamool Congress government. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had transferred ₹13,000 crore to farmers’ accounts under the PM-Kisan scheme, questioning whether Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee notices such initiatives. Majumdar also alleged that potato farmers in the state are being deprived, saying prices have fallen and growers are facing distress. He claimed that if a BJP government comes to power in West Bengal, a minimum support price for potatoes would be introduced. During his speech, he also urged people to support the BJP to prevent West Bengal from becoming “West Bangladesh.” He concluded his address by reciting a ‘panchali’ (verse).

‘Go Back Modi’ posters appear across Kolkata ahead of PM’s Brigade rally

Several ‘Go Back Modi’ posters have surfaced across Kolkata ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at Brigade Parade Ground. Large hoardings were seen near Maa Flyover and other parts of the city, drawing attention from commuters. The posters appeared just before Modi’s scheduled rally in Kolkata. However, it is unclear who put up the hoardings, and authorities have not yet issued any official statement.

Tapas Roy addresses Brigade rally

BJP leader Tapas Roy addressed the gathering at Brigade Parade Ground and launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He alleged that the majority community was being deprived under the current government. Roy also claimed there was no difference between the statements made by Mamata Banerjee and Humayun Kabir. During his speech, he emphasised that people should not believe in divisions between Bengali and non-Bengali communities.

Agnimitra Paul addresses Brigade rally

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul is addressing the rally at Brigade Parade Ground. Leaders including Suvendu Adhikari, Sukanta Majumdar, Samik Bhattacharya and Rahul Sinha are present at the venue. During her speech, Paul criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the SIR issue, accusing the state government of protecting illegal infiltrators while denying legitimate voters their rights. She also alleged that the government stood with the undeserving in the teachers’ recruitment controversy and failed to support victims of crimes, instead siding with the perpetrators.

Nisith Pramanik addresses Brigade rally

BJP leader from North Bengal Nisith Pramanik is addressing the gathering at Brigade Parade Ground. During his speech, he criticised the Trinamool Congress and raised issues concerning North Bengal. Pramanik claimed that none of the promises made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for North Bengal have been fulfilled. He remarked that the chief minister visits North Bengal mainly to escape the heat of South Bengal, while the problems faced by Rajbanshi and tribal communities remain unresolved.

BJP rally begins at Brigade

The BJP’s rally at Brigade Parade Ground has begun. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not arrived yet, and state leaders are currently addressing the gathering.

Food arrangements for BJP workers ahead of Brigade rally

The BJP rally at Brigade Parade Ground has not started yet, but workers and supporters have been gathering since morning. The party has arranged food for attendees at Sealdah and Howrah stations and Babughat. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya was also seen personally serving rice to the supporters.

BJP workers travel from Hooghly to attend Brigade rally

BJP workers have set out for Kolkata by train from several suburban stations in Hooghly to attend the Brigade rally. Supporters said they are joining the gathering to raise issues such as employment, women’s safety and protests against corruption.

BJP supporters from Sundarbans to attend Brigade rally

BJP workers and supporters from remote areas of the Sundarbans have been travelling by vessels since early morning to attend the Brigade rally in Kolkata. Supporters from places such as Sagar, Namkhana and Patharpratima have already crossed the river routes and begun their journey toward Brigade Parade Ground. Earlier, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal had said that more than five lakh people were expected to attend the rally. Accordingly, supporters from several parts of the Sundarbans have started heading to the venue since morning.

Processions head toward Brigade rally venue

BJP workers and supporters from different areas are marching in processions toward Brigade Parade Ground. Police have been deployed to manage the growing crowds and maintain order.

Tight security in place for PM Modi’s rally

Police have put in place extensive security arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally. ADG (Coastal) Hari Kishore Kusumakar is overseeing the overall security for the Prime Minister’s visit. In addition, around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain security at the venue.

BJP workers leave for Howrah on special train from Durgapur

BJP workers departed for Howrah on a special train from Durgapur station to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at Brigade Parade Ground. The train left from Platform No. 1 of Durgapur station. Supporters from Durgapur, Pandaveswar, Andal, Bankura and Bishnupur boarded the train to travel to Howrah for the event.

Bags not allowed inside Brigade rally venue

BJP workers and supporters are not being allowed to enter the Brigade Parade Ground with bags for the rally. Separate counters have been set up where attendees can deposit their bags before entering the venue. However, many workers are reluctant to leave their bags there due to security concerns. BJP supporters have questioned why they cannot enter after bag checks and have expressed their dissatisfaction over the arrangement.

40,000 chairs arranged at Brigade

The BJP has arranged more than 40,000 chairs at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally. In addition, seating arrangements have been made for nearly two lakh people. The party claims the turnout could exceed that number. Thirty-five large screens have also been installed across the venue for attendees to watch the event.

Bus headed to Brigade rally attacked, tensions reported in Belda

Tension was reported in the Patli area under Belda police station in West Midnapore after a reserved bus carrying BJP supporters to the Brigade rally was allegedly attacked. According to reports, several windows of the bus were smashed during the incident.

Preparations complete at Brigade Parade Ground

The stage and arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at Brigade Parade Ground have been completed. The venue has been prepared overnight as BJP leaders and workers gear up for the large gathering expected later in the day.

Crowds begin building at Sealdah and Howrah stations

Crowds have started increasing at Kolkata’s Sealdah and Howrah railway stations as BJP workers and supporters arrive from different districts to attend the rally. Temporary camps have been set up at both stations to provide breakfast and assistance to supporters travelling from distant areas.

PM Modi to arrive in Kolkata this afternoon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive at Kolkata airport around 1:20 pm on Saturday. After landing, he will head to Brigade Parade Ground to address the BJP rally before leaving the city later in the day.

Preparations intensify ahead of rally

Preparations by BJP workers and organisers are at their peak as supporters continue to make their way to the rally venue. Large numbers of party workers are expected to gather at Brigade Parade Ground for the prime minister’s address.