Kolkata, India | December 20, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp political attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), declaring that West Bengal must be freed from “jungle raj”, as he addressed a major rally in Nadia district virtually after dense fog prevented his helicopter from landing at the Taherpur helipad.
According to officials, extremely low visibility forced the Prime Minister’s helicopter to hover briefly over the helipad before returning to Kolkata airport, from where Modi delivered his address via video link. He apologized to the crowd for being unable to reach the venue due to adverse weather conditions.
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Beginning his virtual address, the Prime Minister paid homage to legendary writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, calling Vande Mataram a rallying cry against British rule and urging citizens to embrace it as a mantra for nation-building.
“Bengal Must Be Freed From Jungle Raj”
Launching a direct attack on the ruling TMC, Modi alleged that illegal infiltrators are receiving political protection in Bengal, accusing the state government of fostering lawlessness and corruption.
“The central government stands shoulder to shoulder with the people,” Modi said, adding that GST reforms have benefited citizens across the country, including West Bengal, particularly during festivals such as Durga Puja.
Referring to regional development, Modi remarked that the Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal, asserting that Bihar has “shown the way” for progress. “West Bengal must be freed from jungle raj,” he said, reiterating his commitment to the people of the state and assuring there would be no shortage of funds or policy support from the Center.
Call for a “Double Engine” Government
The Prime Minister claimed that several key development projects in West Bengal are stalled due to the state government, criticizing what he described as political obstruction for electoral gain.
“If TMC wants to oppose BJP, that is their choice,” Modi said. “But stopping development for political benefit is unacceptable.”
He urged voters to give the BJP a chance and allow a “double engine government” in the state, promising accelerated development if the same party governs both the Center and the state.
₹3,200 Crore National Highway Projects Launched
Ahead of his address, PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for ₹3,200 crore worth of national highway projects in West Bengal.
These include:
The 66.7-km four-lane Barjaguli–Krishnanagar stretch of NH-34 in Nadia district
The 17.6-km four-lane Barasat–Barjaguli section in North 24 Parganas
Officials said the projects will significantly improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri, boosting trade, tourism, and economic activity across southern and northern Bengal.
First Rally Amid Ongoing SIR Controversy
This marked PM Modi’s first public rally in West Bengal amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a social media post ahead of his visit, Modi said that while Bengal’s people are benefiting from central welfare schemes, they are also suffering due to what he called TMC’s misgovernance.
The Trinamool Congress has strongly opposed the SIR process, alleging it is being conducted hastily and could disenfranchise voters—particularly refugee Hindu communities. According to draft data, over 5.8 million names have been removed from the voter lists, reducing the state’s electorate to 7.08 crore voters.
As political temperatures rise, Modi’s Bengal visit has further intensified the battle ahead of the crucial state elections.
