PM Modi announces ‘10 guarantees’ for Bengal women; promises safety net, financial aid and job security
The Statesman | 23 April 2026
Amid an intense and often bitter election battle in West Bengal, where allegations of violence, welfare politics, and women’s safety have taken centre stage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sharpened the BJP’s pitch with a targeted outreach to women voters. Addressing a rally in Nadia, he accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of failing to protect and empower women, and framed the contest as a fight for dignity, security, and economic independence of “Bengal’s sisters and daughters.” He stressed, “Our sisters and daughters have had to bear the brunt of the TMC’s ‘Maha Jungle Raj.’
PM Modi added, “The TMC can never truly empower the women of Bengal. You witnessed an example of this in Parliament just last week. The BJP seeks to implement a 33% reservation for women in both Parliament and the State Assemblies. This matter was debated in Parliament, yet the TMC does not want the women of Bengal to secure more seats. Consequently, in collusion with the Congress, they blocked the passage of this legislation in Parliament. Every woman in Bengal will undoubtedly punish the TMC for this…”
With voting underway and political rhetoric peaking, the Prime Minister sought to consolidate support by unveiling a “10-point guarantee” for women. He promised strict law enforcement, direct financial support, and expanded welfare coverage if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in the state.