August 23, Saturday: PM Narendra Modi introduced an all-new line "Banchte chai, BJP tai", during a massive Parivartan Sankalpa Sabha rally at Dum Dum Central Jail ground on Friday evening, urging workers to echo the slogan “in every corner of Bengal”.
Modi weaved additional Bengali slogans into his speech, such as “TMC jabey, BJP asbey” (TMC will go, BJP will come) and “TMC ke sarao, Bangla ke banchao” (Oust TMC, save Bengal), aiming to highlight a shift from previous campaigns, steering the message toward governance and cultural pride rather than personalized attacks.
Rallying for governance, culture, and development
In his 39-minute address, Modi directly targeted the ruling Trinamool Congress for alleged misuse of central funds, corruption, and allowing infiltration along the borders. He emphasized that the "real change in Bengal" would only come with a BJP government and accused the TMC of misusing central aid by diverting it to party cadres instead of public welfare.
The PM also proposed a vision of renewed infrastructure, job creation, and cultural preservation, highlighting plans around electric vehicle schemes, factory revival, tourism along the Ganges, and respect for Durga Puja and regional heritage.
Slogan over spin: A cultural turn in campaigning
Unlike earlier campaigns where Modi used direct jabs, like the well-known “Didi-o-Didi” tag for Mamata, this time he leaned heavily on inclusive cultural messaging. By invoking Bengali slogans and naming local deities like Tara of Tarapith, Modi sought to counter narratives of “Bengali-phobia” used against the BJP, embracing regional identity as a strategic tactic.
This marks a broader campaign shift from personal attacks to appeals based on governance, infrastructure, and cultural connection, giving the slogan its power as both morale booster and emblem of change.
The Trinamool Congress quickly hit back, dismissing Modi’s speech as an “own goal” and accusing the BJP of hollow theatrics. TMC spokespersons attacked his claims on corruption and infiltration, pointing out that border security is a central responsibility and mocking the BJP’s credibility, calling the party a “washing machine” that cleanses and shelters corrupt politicians.
TMC also underscored its own governance record, such as the metro expansion projects in Kolkata that PM Modi spoke about while Mamata Banerjee was absent. BJP’s attention to Bengali culture was labeled superficial, with the party urging voters to see through the performance and not let cultural cudgel be a substitute for real development.
