‘Mamata govt allocated Rs 6,000 crore for madrasas, neglected North Bengal’: PM Modi attacks TMC over ‘appeasement politics’
The Statesman | 13 April 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of prioritising “appeasement politics” over development in North Bengal. Addressing a public rally in Siliguri, he alleged that the state had allocated around Rs 6,000 crore for madrasa education while failing to provide adequate funds for the region’s growth.
He said the imbalance in budgetary allocation reflected the ruling party’s “vote bank politics” and neglect of North Bengal, which he called a crucial gateway to the Northeast.
Modi claimed that despite being a large and strategically important region, North Bengal had not received sufficient development support from the state government. He alleged that the TMC’s budget decisions clearly showed discrimination against the region.
He further criticised the state government’s response during natural disasters, claiming that while parts of North Bengal were affected by heavy rainfall, the TMC government was “busy celebrating elsewhere.”
West Bengal is set to go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
‘Illegal infiltration hurting jobs’: PM Modi
The Prime Minister further alleged that illegal infiltration was affecting employment opportunities in West Bengal and slowing down development. He claimed that the state’s growth was being compromised and called for stricter action.
“Because of the illegal infiltrators, who are pampered by the state’s ruling party, the overall development of West Bengal is facing hindrances. The local people are losing jobs because of these infiltrators. This needs to be stopped. So let the lotus bloom in West Bengal this time and enable us to drive away the illegal infiltrators from the state. The days will change for the better automatically,” PM Modi said.
Siliguri corridor and national security remarks
Referring to national security concerns, Modi said certain groups had issued threats related to the Siliguri Corridor, a key strategic link to India’s Northeast. He alleged that elements within the TMC were supportive of such groups and said only a BJP-led government could ensure security in the region.
“There is a ‘Tukde-Tukde gang’ in India, which has recently threatened to cut off the Siliguri Corridor. Trinamool Congress leadership at all levels supports such gangs. This is their real character. Only a BJP-led government can protect the Siliguri Corridor and thus ensure the safety of the country,” the Prime Minister said.
Attack on governance, allegations of corruption and neglect
Escalating his criticism, the Prime Minister said the TMC government had ruled West Bengal for 15 years but had failed to deliver governance and development. He accused the party of mismanagement and said it would be held accountable for its decisions.
“I will live for you. I will keep struggling for you. Friends, and this sight today also gives me full confidence that it is going to shake the sleep of TMC. This rally in Siliguri has decided the farewell of TMC’s so-called jungle raj. Across Bengal, only one slogan is echoing, only one slogan is being heard. The cruel TMC government has completed 15 years. In these 15 years, you have seen destruction. I can see many young people here… Friends, today I will one by one, place before you the entire list of TMC’s sins and its dark deeds,” he said.
He added that the state government was obstructing Central schemes, preventing welfare projects from reaching the people.
“… For the BJP, the Siliguri Corridor is a corridor of nation, security, and prosperity. This project will greatly boost connectivity, trade, and tourism in Bengal and Sikkim… TMC obstructs every project of the central government,” PM Modi further said.
‘Time for change in Bengal’: PM Modi
Seeking support ahead of the upcoming elections, Modi urged voters to give the BJP an opportunity, saying it would focus on women’s safety, employment generation, healthcare, and governance.
He also criticised past governments, including the Left Front and the TMC, saying Bengal had seen decades of misrule and needed a “fresh start.”
“You have allowed the Left Front to rule you for 34 years. Then you gave Trinamool Congress three consecutive chances. Now give us a chance. Give Modi a chance to protect women, create jobs, establish the rule of law, provide free medical treatment to the poor, and save Bengali culture from appeasement,” he added.
He asserted that West Bengal is “determined for change,” claiming that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will be voted out in the upcoming assembly elections.
“Yesterday I visited different parts of Bengal. What I saw there was the enthusiasm, energy, and excitement among the youth, mothers, sisters, and elderly people, as well as villagers, which was remarkable. People had come after facing great difficulties and had walked for miles. Bengal is now determined for change. This time, it is certain that the TMC will go,” PM Modi said.
He further warned TMC, “TMC people, listen carefully. After May 4th, the BJP government will be formed, and they will have to give an account of every moment of the past fifteen years. They will have to give an account of every penny,” he said.