'Unemployment to state patronage for criminals': PM Modi slams Bengal govt in Alipurduar rally

PM Modi

Slamming Mamata Banerjee for her administration's failure to ensure basic governance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the unending state patronage for anti-people activities is taking the state to an era of darkness.

Addressing a public rally in Alipurduar, Modi said, “Today, when India is moving towards becoming a 'Viksit Rashtra' (developed nation), Bengal's participation in this process is both expected and essential. With this intention, the central government is continuously giving new impetus to infrastructure, innovation and investment here.”

The Prime Minister categorically pointed out five big problems plaguing the state. "... Today West Bengal is surrounded by many crises simultaneously. First is the crisis of violence and anarchy spreading in the society. Second is the unsafety of our mothers and sisters who are being subjected to heinous crimes. The third crisis is of the extreme despair and rampant unemployment spreading among the youth. The fourth crisis is of the continuously declining trust in the system. The fifth crisis is of the selfish politics of the ruling party, that steals the rights of the poor."

PM's visit comes amid heightened political activity in Bengal, with the BJP seeking to regroup ahead of the 2026 polls, and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) mounting a sharp attack over the alleged withholding of central funds. An official statement said the CGD project will supply piped natural gas (PNG) to more than 2.5 lakh households and over 100 commercial and industrial establishments in the two districts.

The PM is in Alipurduar to inaugurate several projects including gas pipeline service. “This is not just pipeline service. It is an example of the government’s doorstep delivery of services,” said Modi.

He said from 66 districts covered under gas pipeline service in 2014, it has now spread to over 550 districts.“People are getting healthier using pipeline service and at the same time going easy on their pockets,” he said.