‘Mahajungle Raj’ nearing end in Bengal, says PM Modi; targets TMC over women’s safety, corruption
The Statesman | 24 April 2026
With the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections intensifying, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress, alleging that the state has endured “15 years of Mahajungle Raj” marked by violence, corruption, and lawlessness.
Addressing a rally in Kolkata, PM Modi framed the ongoing elections as a turning point, saying a “new revolution” in Bengal would be driven by the power of each vote. He claimed that years of bloodshed and instability under the TMC government were nearing an end, urging voters to bring in change through the ballot.
The Prime Minister also targeted the TMC over women’s issues, accusing it of opposing women’s reservation in Parliament and failing to ensure safety for women in the state. He said the BJP is focusing on increasing women’s participation in governance and highlighted outreach initiatives promising financial assistance to women.
He added, “Today, in Bengal, our workers are going from house to house to distribute the Matri Shakti Bhorosa Card. Every sister is receiving an assurance of Rs 3,000 every month, that is Rs 36,000 per year…” He adds, “…Under the TMC government, daughters are not safe, but under a BJP government, not a single rapist or criminal will be safe. Everyone will be held accountable.”
Escalating his attack, PM Modi alleged that the TMC government had “destroyed the identity of Bengal” by enabling infiltration and land encroachment, which he said has hurt local livelihoods and forced youth to migrate for jobs. He argued that only a decisive BJP victory could address these challenges.
He said, “In Bengal, infiltrators are being brought in and settled. Here, they are occupying the lands of Bengal and are taking away the livelihoods of the local people. On one hand, there is the corruption of the TMC; on the other, there is the oppression of the infiltrators. The youth of Bengal are forced to leave their homes in search of a livelihood. The solution to this problem will come when the TMC is completely defeated, and the BJP comes to power with all its might…”
Referring to areas like Jadavpur and South 24 Parganas, PM Modi accused the ruling party of backing syndicates controlling construction materials and fostering illegal mining. He also claimed that central welfare schemes for Dalits and deprived communities were being obstructed by the state government.
He said, “In Jadhavpur, the syndicate has made development its prisoner. Who has control over the supply of sand, bricks, and cement here? Is this hidden from anyone? In recent years, cases of illegal mining have increased manifold. Those who call themselves the well-wishers of Jadavpur are, in fact, occupying land illegally… Could all of this be possible without the support of the cruel government? If someone tries to build a house on their own land, they are forced to pay protection money to the syndicate. We must change this situation.”