As political activity intensifies ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a large gathering at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata and launched a strong attack on the government led by Mamata Banerjee. In his speech, he said the “countdown” for the All India Trinamool Congress government had begun and claimed that the state was heading towards a political change.

The rally drew BJP leaders and supporters from across the state as Modi outlined the party’s political pitch and governance promises for West Bengal.

Sharp attack on TMC

Launching a strong criticism of the Mamata Banerjee government, Modi described it as a “nirmam sarkar”. He said the demand for change was growing across the state.

“Change in Bengal is now visible on the walls and deeply etched in the hearts of its people. The end of the ruthless government in Bengal is inevitable. The era of maha jungle raj in Bengal will end,” he said.

Modi claimed that public support for the BJP was increasing and asserted that law and order would be restored if the party came to power.

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“That day is not far when the rule of law will once again be established in Bengal. Those who break the law and commit atrocities will not be spared. Not a single TMC oppressor will be spared…. It (TMC) cannot stop the storm of change,” he said.

SIR and ‘infiltrators’ issue

The Prime Minister also criticised the Trinamool Congress for opposing the Election Commission’s special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He alleged that the party was doing so to protect “infiltrators”.

“They (TMC) support infiltrators. Because of this, Bengal’s roti, beti and maati are under threat. Due to infiltration, Bengal’s demography is changing. There is an attempt to make Hindus a minority. When the issue of giving citizenship to (Hindu) refugees arises, TMC opposes it because their vote bank matters more. They even resist removing the names of dead people from voter lists,” Modi said.

He also criticised disruptions in Parliament, adding, “TMC even tries to carry this chaos to the Parliament. You have seen how papers are torn in Parliament, and discussions are obstructed. The country is shocked by such shameful behaviour.”

Allegations of criminalisation of politics

Modi accused the Mamata government of operating with the support of criminals and alleged that extortion and “cut money” had become sources of income.

“Extortion and cut money are their sources of income. To strengthen such gangs, they bring infiltrators,” he said. Referring to crimes against women, he added, “Everyone has seen how TMC stands beside criminals. Horrific crimes like acid attacks are increasing in Bengal… Such a situation cannot be accepted in a land that worships Shakti.”

“I promise the mothers and sisters of Bengal: Bless the BJP. Under a BJP government women will be safe and criminals will be in jail. This is Modi’s guarantee.”

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Migration and development concerns

Raising employment concerns, Modi said the state’s youth were being forced to migrate to other parts of the country for work.

“First Congress, then the Communists, and now the TMC, one after another they came, filled their own pockets, and stalled development in Bengal. Bengal has fallen behind in infrastructure. Industries have shut down. Jobs are openly sold under the TMC government. Recruitment is plagued with corruption… Fulfilling the dream that Bengal’s youth should find employment within Bengal itself is Modi’s guarantee,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Modi announced development projects worth more than Rs 18,000 crore in the state, saying they would strengthen connectivity and benefit farmers, traders, students and the general public.

Remarks on President's protocol row

The Prime Minister also criticised the Trinamool Congress over the recent controversy surrounding alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Siliguri.

He said it was unacceptable to target constitutional institutions and accused the TMC of “crossing all limits” by “insulting” the President. According to Modi, the incident amounted to disrespect not only to the head of the state but also to tribals and the Constitution.