With assembly elections approaching in Bihar. It has become the centre of an intense political showdown. The BJP has gone all out in support of the Nitish Kumar government, launching aggressive attacks on the RJD, which is natural. However, in neighbouring West Bengal—where assembly elections are scheduled for next year and Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been in power for 14 years—the BJP has already started targeting the state government. In the last election (2021), the BJP tried hard to unseat Mamata Banerjee but failed. Now, with the 2026 assembly elections approaching, the BJP is ramping up its attacks once again.
Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Bengal. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an election rally in Motihari, promising to build a “New Bihar”. This was his fifth visit to Bihar this year, where he raised the slogan: “Banayenge Naya Bihar, Phir Se NDA Sarkar” (We’ll build a New Bihar, NDA government once again). After the Motihari rally in Bihar, PM travelled to Durgapur, West Bengal.
In Durgapur, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 54,000 crore. During the Parivartan Sankalp Sabha (Resolution for Change rally), he launched a fierce attack on Mamata Banerjee’s government and called for change in Bengal. This was PM Modi’s second visit to Bengal.
Not Just Inaugurations—A Political Message
PM Modi’s visits to Bihar and West Bengal were not limited to development inaugurations—they were politically significant, sending a strong message.
Preparing for Elections in Both Bihar and Bengal
Political analyst Partha Mukhopadhyay stated that through these visits, the BJP has clarified its agenda for the upcoming elections in both states. While the focus in Bihar was on social balance and development, in Bengal the BJP launched direct attacks on the ruling party's failures and corruption.
PM Modi’s tour was not only about launching development projects and balancing regional interests but also marked the start of the BJP’s election campaign. The tone of his speeches, the announcements of schemes, and direct attacks on the opposition all point to a party fully mobilised for the 2026 West Bengal elections.
Focus on Inclusive Development and Youth Employment
During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several mega projects worth thousands of crores. These included highway expansion, railway modernisation, drinking water schemes, and new health and education centres in rural areas.
In his speech, PM Modi said, “Connectivity in Bihar will now be much better. Nitish Kumar and the BJP team have worked hard. Now we must resolve to build a new Bihar with another NDA government.” He emphasised the welfare steps taken by both the central and state governments for Bihar’s development, especially for the poor. “Every underprivileged person is our priority,” he said, highlighting various measures for the poor in backward regions.
Thus, PM Modi is not only talking development in Bihar but also targeting the backward and Dalit communities, promising jobs for youth, and speaking of social justice and equal opportunities.
BJP’s Arsenal for Bengal: Infiltration to Syndicate Rule
With elections due in Bengal next year, BJP is throwing its full weight again. In 2021, the party fought hard, but Mamata Banerjee won a third term. Now, BJP is attacking her over several issues: infiltration from Bangladesh, TMC’s extortion tax, corruption, nepotism in TMC, poor law and order, crimes against women, syndicate rule, Bengal’s backwardness, appeasement of Muslims, and the undermining of Bengali identity.
Recently, Mamata Banerjee criticised anti-infiltration actions as being biased against Bengali speakers, alleging discrimination and deportation. PM Modi responded during Friday’s rally, saying, “TMC has come out openly in support of infiltrators. Let it be heard clearly: action will be taken against infiltrators as per the Constitution.”
Law and Order in Bengal: BJP’s Key Attack Point
PM Modi also raised issues of women’s safety and hospital mismanagement. “Even hospitals in Bengal are not safe for women,” he said. He cited incidents where TMC protected criminals and mentioned how a girl was harassed in college, implicating TMC members. He added, “In cases like Murshidabad, the police act with bias.” Due to lawlessness and hooliganism, entrepreneurs avoid Bengal. Investors flee from the state because of syndicate and goon rule under TMC.
He also said that in TMC's time, primary and higher education systems have declined severely.
Bengal’s Backwardness: Mamata Under Fire
PM Modi stated, “If BJP comes to power, Bengal will become one of the most industrialised states in India. That is my belief. But TMC is not allowing Bengal to industrialise, which is why it must be removed.” He called for developing Bengal in a way that attracts investment and generates employment. PM Modi began his speech with “Jai Ma Kali”, saying that the BJP wants a developed Bengal. “This land of Bengal is full of inspiration. BJP wants to build a prosperous West Bengal. Bengal was once rich, a centre of development—but not anymore. We want to change this. Now, people from Bengal are forced to migrate for work. Bengalis must be freed from this situation.”
