Shah promises revival of Balagarh’s glory, silent on riverbank erosion
The Statesman | 24 April 2026
Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday addressed an election rally at Balagarh in support of BJP candidate Sumana Sarkar, promising to restore the region’s lost glory and tackle key issues affecting the area.
Recalling Balagarh’s historical significance, Mr Shah described it as the land of Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, known as the “Bengal Tiger”, and his son, Syama Prasad Mukherjee. He highlighted Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s role as a nationalist leader, educationist and founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP. Mr Shah also referred to Mukherjee’s involvement in shaping public opinion during the Partition of Bengal in 1947.
The home minister announced that if the BJP comes to power in Bengal, it would allocate Rs 15 crore to establish a grand memorial centre in honour of the two leaders.
While the rally focused on multiple policy promises and criticisms of the ruling party, some local residents expressed disappointment that concerns over rising riverbank erosion in Balagarh were not addressed in detail during the speech.
Targeting the Trinamul Congress (TMC), Mr Shah alleged that infiltration had increased under its rule, affecting employment opportunities and resources for local residents. He claimed that illegal entrants were posing a threat to national security and had been involved in unlawful activities. He asserted that the BJP’s priority would be to make Bengal free of such threats.
Mr Shah also criticised what he described as the “syndicate system” in the state, alleging that extortion and “cut money” practices had harmed small-scale and cottage industries in Balagarh, including its traditional boat-making sector. He said that ordinary people were unable to construct houses without paying additional money for essential materials such as sand, bricks and cement.
Warning against any attempts to disrupt the polling process, he said strict action would be taken against those trying to create unrest. He urged voters to cast their ballots freely and without fear, noting that Central forces had been deployed to ensure peaceful and fair elections.
Mr Shah further attacked the TMC leadership, accusing it of appeasement politics, and asserted that the BJP would form the next government in the state.
Outlining a series of promises, he said the BJP would support farmers by ensuring better markets for surplus produce in neighbouring states such as Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. He also announced financial assistance schemes, including Rs 3,000 for women and unemployed youth, an increase in benefits under the PM-Kisan scheme from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000, and Rs 21,000 support for pregnant women. He added that women would be allowed free travel on state-run transport.
He also claimed that a BJP government would curb extremist and Naxal activities and address issues related to infiltration.