BJP blueprint for Bengal: Modi in Didi's den to kick off campaign for Lok Sabha elections

A file photo of PM Narendra Modi with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again turning his attention towards West Bengal, embarking on a series of consecutive rallies spanning six days, scheduled to commence from March 1. This strategic move signals the beginning of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) concerted campaign in preparation for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, slated for April-May.

PM Modi to Address Rallies in Arambagh, Krishnagar

PM Modi's itinerary includes rallies in Arambagh, located in Hooghly district, on March 1, followed by Krishnagar in Nadia district the next day. The PM is set to deliver a third public address in Barasat on March 6, underscoring the BJP's determination to consolidate its presence in the state.

PM's Bengal Visit Amid Sandeshkhali Row

PM Modi's multiple visits to West Bengal come this time in the the backdrop of the Sandeshkhali incident. Notably, Shahjahan Sheikh, the alleged mastermind behind the episode, was arrested by state authorities on February 29. Sheikh faces charges including crimes against women, thereby contributing to the gravity of the situation.

PM may Condemn TMC Govt over Sandeshkhali Issue

It is expected that the PM will capitalise on the Sandeshkhali issue to castigate the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government during his speeches. The incident, which has remained under public scrutiny for nearly two months, presents potent material for political discourse and is likely to feature prominently in PM Modi's criticisms of the ruling administration.

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Reports suggest that the PM is expected to hold discussions with the women of Sandeshkhali, who allegedly suffered torture and assault, on the sidelines of his public engagements. PM Modi's upcoming visit holds profound significance amid escalating tensions in Sandeshkhali and with the impending general elections on the horizon.

Sandeshkhali: A Catalyst for Change in Bengal

More significantly, the PM's visit comes amid turmoil in Sandeshkhali, triggered by allegations from local women concerning land-grabbing and sexual assault. This has led to protests by BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari, and BJP women MPs in the area. Adhikari has referred to Sandeshkhali as the "epicentre of change" in Bengal and a contributing factor to Mamata’s downfall.

Krishnanagar's Matua Vote Bank Takes Center Stage

The Prime Minister's upcoming visits to Arambag and Krishnanagar on March 1 and 2, respectively, carry considerable political weight, especially with Krishnanagar's influential Matua vote bank in the spotlight. This underscores the BJP's strategic maneouvering as it endeavours to secure backing from pivotal demographics in the state.

PM Modi's Strategic Meetings: Targeting TMC Strongholds

Notably, all three locations chosen for PM Modi's meetings fall within Lok Sabha constituencies currently represented by women from the TMC. Aparupa Poddar serves as the Lok Sabha representative for Arambagh, while Kakali Ghosh Dastidar represents Barasat.  Krishnagar's Lok Sabha seat was previously held by Mahua Moitra from the TMC, but she was expelled from the lower House in December.

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PM to Launch Development Projects Worth Rs 7,200 Crore in Arambagh

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the PM will lay the foundation stone for development projects totalling Rs 7,200 crore in Arambagh. Following this, on March 2, he will travel to Krishnanagar, where he is scheduled to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for development projects valued at Rs 15,000 crore.

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PM Modi is set to reveal a series of infrastructure projects at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, collectively valued at around Rs 1000 crore, aimed at enhancing its facilities. Additionally, during his visit to Krishnanagar, he will lay the foundation stone for the Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station phase II (2x660 MW) in Purulia district. This coal-based thermal power project, utilising advanced supercritical technology under the Damodar Valley Corporation, marks a significant stride toward bolstering the nation's energy security.

Moreover, on the agenda is the inauguration of the flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) system for units 7 & 8 at the Mejia thermal power station, constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 650 crore. Another project set for inauguration is the road development initiative for the four-lane Farakka-Raiganj section of NH-12, completed at a cost of about Rs 1,986 crore.

PM Modi will kick off his engagements at the Durgapur helipad on March 1 before proceeding to neighbouring Jharkhand's Sindri. Later in the day, he will arrive in Hooghly's Arambagh to inaugurate multiple projects, lay foundation stones, and deliver a public rally address.

BJP Criticises Mamata's Appeasement Politics

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, out of the 42 seats in West Bengal, the BJP secured victory in 18 seats, while the TMC won in 22 seats. The BJP on February 24 held multiple rounds of meetings with state leaders in preparation for the upcoming general elections. The meeting addressed the law and order situation in the state, particularly focussing on the violence against party cadre and Mamata’s approach of appeasement politics.