PM Modi accused the Trinamool Congress of making crime and corruption its identity, claiming only BJP can bring real change in West Bengal. Addressing a rally in Dum Dum, he highlighted infiltration, misuse of central funds, women’s safety, and development as key issues while unveiling ₹5,200 crore projects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of turning crime and corruption into its political identity. Speaking at a massive public gathering at Dum Dum Central Jail ground near Kolkata, PM Modi said the people of Bengal were increasingly demanding an end to the Mamata Banerjee-led government and were placing their hopes in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to deliver “asol paribartan” (real change).
“There is only one cry in Bengal now: Trinamool Congress ke shorao, Bangla ke bachao (Remove Trinamool Congress to save Bengal),” PM Modi declared. “Today, crime and corruption have become the identity of Trinamool Congress. Unless this party is removed from power, the real change cannot take place. Real change means providing security for women, putting corrupt leaders in jail instead of ministries, and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.”
Allegations of Looting Central Funds
The Prime Minister accused the Mamata Banerjee government of misusing and diverting central funds that were meant for the welfare of the people. According to him, money sent by the Centre for various development schemes and welfare projects has been “looted” and redirected towards strengthening the ruling party’s cadre base.
“There is a need for a BJP government in West Bengal to usher in overall development. The funds sent from Delhi for Bengal’s progress are being looted by Trinamool Congress leaders and workers. These funds are not reaching the poor and needy. That is why West Bengal is lagging behind compared to other states,” Modi said.
TMC as ‘Enemy of Development’
PM Modi further criticized the Trinamool government for obstructing central schemes and refusing cooperation on key projects. He alleged that the Mamata Banerjee administration declined to participate in the Centre’s Smart City Mission and deliberately created hurdles in the rollout of welfare and infrastructure initiatives.
“Trinamool Congress has become an enemy of development. The party’s mission is not to serve Bengal but to stop BJP at any cost. Is this the kind of politics that will help Bengal prosper? Will this benefit the common people? Only the BJP can ensure holistic growth and progress for the state,” he told the gathering.
Stand Against Infiltration
Another major theme of Modi’s address was infiltration in Bengal, which he said was being supported by TMC and its INDIA alliance partners due to vote-bank politics. He alleged that infiltrators are altering the demographic balance in sensitive border districts and posing security challenges to local residents.
“We want to provide jobs to our youth and security to our women, but we will not allow infiltrators who torture our citizens to remain in the country,” Modi asserted. “Unfortunately, Trinamool Congress, along with its INDIA bloc partners, openly supports these infiltrators for appeasement. People who are living in the country on fake identity cards must leave, but as long as TMC is in power, they will continue to be shielded.”
New Development Projects Launched
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of infrastructure projects worth ₹5,200 crore. These included three stretches of the Kolkata Metro and a key elevated corridor in Howrah.
At the Jessore Road Metro Station, Modi flagged off the Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar Metro service. He also launched, via video conferencing, the Sealdah–Esplanade Metro and the Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro services. In a symbolic gesture, PM Modi undertook a Metro ride from Jessore Road to Jai Hind Bimanbandar and back, interacting with commuters along the way.
The Road Ahead
The Prime Minister’s sharp remarks highlight the BJP’s aggressive electoral strategy in West Bengal, where it seeks to position itself as the only alternative to Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress. By focusing on corruption, infiltration, women’s safety, and development, Modi is appealing to both urban and rural voters in the state.
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As political temperatures rise ahead of the next assembly elections, the battle between TMC and BJP is set to intensify further. The BJP hopes to capitalize on public discontent over corruption scandals and lack of development, while TMC is expected to defend its record and accuse the Centre of discrimination.
For now, Modi’s Dum Dum address has set the stage for a heated political season in West Bengal, with both parties preparing for a fierce contest in the months to come.
