Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a public rally in Hooghly's Singur ahead of the upcoming Bengal Assembly Elections. Before the session, the Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth ₹830 crore in Hooghly. He laid the foundation stone of the Extended Port Gate System in Balagarh, inaugurated the Jayarambati-Mainapur railway line, launched three new Amrit Bharat Express trains and one local train, and inaugurated a 50-passenger transport-capable electric air-conditioned catamaran.
Standing in Singur on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi criticised the West Bengal ruling party's 15-year rule, terming it "Maha-Jungle Raj". Drawing a comparison, he recalled the opposition’s mocking of Bihar as "Jungle Raj" during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure. He also expressed concerns about security, stating that the Trinamool is compromising the country’s safety.
Focus on investment, traditional industries, and central projects
The PM highlighted Bengal’s potential, pointing to its rivers, coastlines, fertile land, and skilled population. He said that the people of the state possess intelligence, talent, and capability, and added that investment will only flow when law and order is maintained. He urged bringing the BJP to power to address issues like violence and misconduct in colleges, assuring that incidents like Sandeshkhali would not recur and that thousands of teachers would not lose their jobs.
He also announced the ‘One District, One Product’ policy, where PM Modi stated that local handicrafts such as Dhonekhali sarees, jute, and other traditional products would be encouraged. He also mentioned plans to revive the jute industry by implementing strict policies against plastic.
Modi reiterated the BJP’s claim that central projects are being blocked in Bengal. He said that he wants to serve the mothers and sisters of the state, but alleged that the West Bengal government prevents central government projects from reaching them. Adding a touch of sarcasm, he remarked that he repeatedly sends letters to the state government, but the Chief Minister does not read them, and suggested that at least the officers should. He also claimed that Bengal’s fishermen are unable to register for the central government’s PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, alleging that the ruling party of West Bengal is jeopardising their future.
Regarding the infiltration issue, Modi alleged that the Trinamool extends various facilities to infiltrators and even stages protests to protect them. He claimed that infiltrators form an important part of the party’s vote base, which, according to him, explains the support they receive. Modi further alleged that the Trinamool is willing to go to any length to safeguard them.
While BJP leaders had anticipated statements about industries returning to Singur land, including Tata investments, the Prime Minister did not make direct promises. However, he emphasised that proper law and order is essential for investment to flourish.
