PM Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) during a rally in Durgapur, accusing the state government of fostering an atmosphere of lawlessness and deterring investment.
Addressing a large gathering, the PM said, “TMC’s misrule in West Bengal has been marked by lies, lawlessness and loot. The people are turning towards the BJP with hope. Why will investors come to West Bengal where riots take place and police are biased? TMC’s ‘goonda tax’ is driving away investment opportunities.”
He alleged that the TMC government has failed to ensure safety and justice, citing the shocking RG Kar Medical College case, where a postgraduate medical student was allegedly raped and murdered within the college premises in August last year. “TMC tried to shield the culprits in the RG Kar case,” PM Modi claimed.
PM Modi also accused the TMC, along with the Congress and the Left, of neglecting the Bengali language, saying these parties “never considered Bangla as a classical language.” He added, “Wherever there is a BJP government, Bengalis are respected.”
Calling for a political change in the state, PM Modi urged voters to give the BJP a chance. “Choose a government that is hardworking, honest, and strong. The TMC has jeopardized both the present and future of Bengal,” he said.
He added, “The TMC, driven by its vested interests, is compromising the identity of Bengal. They are enabling infiltration, with forged documents being fabricated to support the infiltrators. In their relentless quest for appeasement, TMC is crossing all limits.”
During his visit, PM Modi also launched infrastructure and energy projects worth Rs 5,400 crore across the state. These include key initiatives in the oil and gas, power, rail, and road sectors, aimed at improving connectivity and promoting clean energy.
Among the major announcements was the foundation stone laying of Bharat Petroleum’s Rs 1,950 crore City Gas Distribution project in Bankura and Purulia, which aims to supply piped natural gas to households and industries, and compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel stations, while generating local employment.
He also dedicated the Rs 1,190 crore Durgapur–Kolkata section of the Durgapur–Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline under the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) initiative. The 132-km pipeline, passing through Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Nadia districts, is expected to provide a cleaner and more reliable energy source to lakhs of residents.
The PM’s visit comes ahead of upcoming elections, with the BJP aiming to strengthen its presence in the politically significant state.
