‘Teerth yatra…not political events’: PM Modi’s emotional West Bengal finale in Barrackpore as BJP eyes May 4 win
The Statesman | 28 April 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday struck a deeply personal and spiritual note at a Vijay Sankalp rally in Barrackpore, describing his campaign journey in West Bengal as akin to a “teerth yatra” and expressing confidence that he would return for the BJP’s swearing-in ceremony after the May 4 results.
With the second phase of polling approaching, the rally marked a key moment in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s final push in the state. Barrackpore, an urban constituency in North 24 Parganas, is headed for a triangular contest between the BJP, the ruling Trinamool Congress, and the CPI(M), making it one of the closely watched seats in this phase.
Addressing supporters, PM Modi underlined his long-standing emotional and spiritual connect with Bengal, calling it central to his personal journey. “The attachment I have had towards Bengal has been a devotion to Shakti… I consider the experiences I have had on this land a great blessing,” he said.
Calling the Barrackpore rally his last public meeting in the ongoing campaign, the Prime Minister said the response across the state had strengthened his confidence. “Wherever I have gone in West Bengal, I have seen the mood of the people… I am returning with the confidence that after the results on May 4, I will have to come back to attend the BJP’s oath-taking ceremony,” he said.
Reiterating a theme he has struck through the campaign, PM Modi described his roadshows in Bengal as more than political outreach. “These road shows were not a political event for me. They were like ‘Teerth Yatra’… perhaps that was why Goddess Kali was constantly infusing me with new energy,” he said, linking the experience to his earlier temple visits and rituals during the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya in January 2024.
“You may remember that when the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla was held in Ayodhya in January 2024, I performed an eleven-day ritual and fasted. I visited numerous temples in South India, seeking blessings from the deities. In this election, I felt the same emotion as when visiting a Goddess temple. Behind this is my attachment to Bengal…”
A day earlier, he had offered prayers at the historic Thanthania Kalibari temple in Kolkata, a site with over 300 years of history, where Goddess Kali is worshipped as Maa Siddheshwari.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the personal interactions he has had during the campaign, saying he values the messages and artwork he receives from people. “During the rallies and roadshows in Bengal, I received such heartfelt messages and portraits that I will never forget… I take time at night to look at each portrait and read your letters. In some, I find your pain. In others, I sense your blessings,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, PM Modi said he has spent decades travelling across the country as a BJP worker. “I do not consider day or night, nor do I look at the weather; I keep moving… since I left my home, I have found comfort and peace among all of you, and you are my family,” he added.
The Barrackpore seat will see BJP candidate Kaustav Bagchi take on Trinamool Congress MLA Raj (Raju) Chakraborty, who is seeking a second term, while CPI(M)’s Suman Ranjan Bandyopadhyay has also been campaigning aggressively, targeting both sides.
Polling for the first phase of the Assembly elections concluded earlier with a turnout of 91.78 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India, reflecting strong voter participation. The second phase is scheduled for April 29, with counting of votes on May 4.