Modi invokes infiltration, corruption to attack TMC at Bengal rally
Times of India | 23 August 2025
Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday used infiltration and corruption as sticks to beat Trinamool Congress during his third Bengal visit in 12 weeks. In his 39-minute speech at the Dum Dum Central Jail ground, Modi harped on how infiltration was snatching jobs and putting pressure on the country's infrastructure.
He raised the slogan ‘Banchte Chai, BJP Tai' (We want BJP because we want to live) and said parties like Trinamool were opposing the anti-corruption bill.
"Their politics is based on corruption. Their men tried to tear the bill in Parliament. We have seen how bundles of notes were recovered from the residence of a former Trinamool minister. He is in jail now. Should we allow such people to be in government?" he said. | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata"Developed nations across the world are trying to stop infiltration. I have made it clear through the announcement of a high-powered demographic mission that India will not tolerate infiltration," the PM said, adding, "Those who snatch jobs and put pressure on infrastructure will not be allowed to stay in India.
"Modi blamed Trinamool and Congress for "appeasement politics" and said border areas in Bengal were seeing a demographic change. "They (infiltrators) are snatching land from farmers and tribals, bread and butter from the youth. Those who are staying here based on fake documents, will have to go," he said.
The PM further alleged that money sent for centrally-sponsored schemes was being spent on Trinamool's cadre instead of being spent on welfare of women and men of Bengal.
He said BJP has a specific roadmap for the development of Bengal, adding, "If voted to power in 2026, BJP will transform Bengal into the state of Syama Prasad Mookerjee's dreams.
""We want to create infrastructure for electric vehicles in the state. This will create jobs here. Closed factories will start to run again and investments will pour in. I want to ask the ‘bhadraloks' of Bengal if policies of Trinamool were helping the state. Give BJP a chance," he added.
The PM proposed development of heritage and cruise tourism and development of tourist attractions along the Ganges. "Youths of Bengal won't have to go out of the state to look for jobs. We will give jobs to our sons and daughters in the state," he said.
Modi alleged that Trinamool had become identical with "crime and corruption" and said ‘Asol Paribartan' (real change) in Bengal would happen only after Trinamool was ousted.
"We want to bring change that gives safety to women, respects farmers and ensures the correct price for produce, saves homes and shops from being gutted. Only BJP can bring that change," he said.
Modi's comments come at a time when BJP has been facing criticism in Bengal over the harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-governed states.
The PM addressed the issue of ‘Bengali asmita' and said Bengal's spirit inspires the nation. He added: "BJP wants to empower Bengal's language and culture. Bengali already has the status of a classical language.
"Modi's speech also had references to Durga Puja, idols being made in Kumartuli, the Kali temples at Dakshineswar and Kalighat. "Happiness doubles when faith and development join hands," he said.