‘₹21,000 aid, 33% job quota for women’: PM Modi slams TMC’s ‘jungle raj’, seeks ‘double engine’ mandate in West Bengal
The Statesman | 28 April 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sharpened the BJP’s campaign pitch in West Bengal, urging voters to “make the BJP’s Chief Minister here” and promising faster development under a “double-engine government”, while launching a direct attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
In a rally marked by welfare promises, political messaging and sharp criticism of the state government, PM Modi framed the election as decisive not just for Bengal but for eastern India’s future, saying, “India’s rise is incomplete without the rise of the East.”
Addressing a Vijay Sankalp Sabha in Barrackpore, the Prime Minister said a BJP government would accelerate projects such as the expansion of the Kolkata Metro and roll out a new network of electric buses across the state. He also called on voters, especially women, to back the BJP, alleging that the TMC had “not respected your votes.”
“Make the BJP’s Chief Minister here and reap the double benefits of a double-engine government,” PM Modi said, adding that a BJP dispensation would ensure better infrastructure, employment opportunities and improved security.
Listing out welfare measures, the Prime Minister said a BJP government would provide ₹21,000 assistance to women during pregnancy and ensure 33 per cent reservation for daughters in government jobs.
He also promised that the Ayushman Bharat scheme would be implemented in the first cabinet meeting, offering free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for the elderly. Referring to existing central schemes, he said the government had already provided free treatment and food grains to women from poor families.
The Prime Minister accused the TMC of lacking a clear vision for the state and alleged that “syndicates” were expanding under its rule. “This is TMC’s great jungle raj. TMC must be defeated. BJP will bring the rule of the people here,” he said.
He also criticised the party for abandoning its founding slogan. “In this election, TMC leaders haven’t even once mentioned ‘Maa, Maati, Manush’. The slogan with which they formed the government, they have forgotten it,” Modi said, alleging that the party had failed on women’s safety and farmers’ welfare.
Invoking history and symbolism, PM Modi said “Vande Mataram”, which guided India’s freedom struggle, should now become the mantra for Bengal’s reconstruction. “In the 21st century, we must make Vande Mataram the mantra for the reconstruction of Bengal,” he said.
He also outlined a broader vision, promising prosperity, employment and justice. “We will make ‘sujalam sufalam’ our policy… transform Durga’s power into the guarantee of security and justice,” he added.
The Prime Minister said a BJP government would ensure no discrimination based on caste or community, while vowing strict action against illegal infiltrators. He also reiterated that members of the Matua community would be granted citizenship benefits.
Placing Bengal’s election in a larger national context, PM Modi referred to “Ang, Bang and Kalinga” — Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha — as historic pillars of India’s prosperity. He said their development was crucial for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation.
“Bharat ka Bhagyoday, Purvoday ke bina adhura hai,” he said.
The rally comes ahead of the second phase of polling on April 29. The first phase on April 23 recorded a voter turnout of 92.35 per cent, reflecting intense electoral participation.
PM Modi said the Barrackpore rally was his final campaign event in the state and expressed confidence that he would return after May 4 for the swearing-in of a BJP government.