'Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar’: PM Modi turns West Bengal poll pitch sharper from Malda

PM Narendra Modi (File image)

• Modi urges change in Bengal, says BJP will end TMC's politics of intimidation
• Vande Bharat sleeper train flagged off from Malda, boosting rail connectivity
• Pledges development for Malda, focusing on mango economy and basic amenities

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Putting the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections firmly at the centre of his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a direct political offensive from Malda, declaring that the time had come for a change in the state.

Raising the slogan “Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar,” Modi said the mood across the country showed that people now wanted the Bharatiya Janata Party in power in Bengal as well.

He asserted that the Trinamool Congress government (TMC)’s politics of intimidation was nearing its end and expressed confidence that the state would deliver an overwhelming mandate to the BJP in the coming polls.

Addressing a public rally, Modi alleged that Bengal was grappling with its “biggest challenge” in the form of infiltration, claiming that demographic changes linked to the issue had triggered unrest in Malda, Murshidabad and other regions.

He said even developed nations were taking steps to drive out illegal immigrants, adding that Bengal could not afford to ignore the problem any longer. He accused the ruling dispensation of failing to act and said the issue had been allowed to fester for political reasons.

The Prime Minister also sought to reassure refugee communities, including the Matuas, saying those who had come to India due to religious persecution need not worry. He maintained that a BJP government would protect their interests and ensure stability in the state.

Mounting a broader attack on the TMC, Modi said Bengal’s economy had stagnated under the current regime. “There is no factory in Bengal. Farmers are not getting any benefit. They have not given you your rightful share,” he said, alleging that development opportunities had been blocked.

He further claimed that despite the Centre sending flood relief funds to Bengal 40 times, the money did not reach those affected. According to him, the benefits were stopped before they could reach the people on the ground.

Linking Bengal’s future to what he described as a national shift in political mood, Modi referred to recent electoral developments in other states. “Yesterday, you saw in Maharashtra that BJP got a historic win. Some days back in Kerala too, we got a BJP mayor,” he said, adding that these outcomes reflected growing faith in the party’s governance model.

He said the enthusiasm of young voters was clearly visible, remarking, “This shows the country’s Gen Z has full faith in BJP. I can see your energy, and I can say this time Bengal will give vote to BJP.”

Modi also highlighted infrastructure and connectivity as proof of what he called the Centre’s development push. Speaking after flagging off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda, he said India was witnessing a transformation in railways.

“There was a time when we watched videos and pictures of foreign trains and wondered if India could ever have such facilities. Today, we are living that reality,” he said, adding that Indian-made trains were now drawing global attention.

He noted that the Vande Bharat sleeper train would connect the land of Maa Kali with Maa Kamakhya and said Indian Railways was undergoing a major phase of modernisation.

Emphasising self-reliance, Modi said India was manufacturing more locomotives than America and Europe and exporting passenger and metro coaches to other countries.

Referring specifically to Malda, the Prime Minister promised targeted development if the BJP came to power. He said the region’s mango economy would be taken to new heights through improved cold storage facilities and food processing infrastructure.

He also spoke about housing and basic amenities, saying efforts were underway to ensure pucca houses and clean drinking water for all.

Modi said the rally in Malda had given new momentum to Bengal’s progress, asserting that improved connectivity, infrastructure and governance would follow once the state opted for what he described as “good governance” under a BJP government.