With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections drawing closer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a high-intensity campaign in the state, addressing the first of his three scheduled rallies in Katwa.

From the rally stage, Modi launched a scathing attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of obstructing key Central welfare schemes and depriving citizens of their benefits.

Without directly naming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he alleged that the state government had systematically blocked initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the PM Vishwakarma scheme. He claimed that while people in states like Assam and Bihar have benefitted from these programmes, artisans and workers in Bengal have been left behind.

“Modi guarantee” on Ayushman Bharat

Making a key electoral promise, the Prime Minister declared that if the BJP comes to power after the May 4 results, the Ayushman Bharat scheme would be implemented in West Bengal during the very first cabinet meeting. “This is Modi’s guarantee,” he asserted, positioning the scheme as a major poll plank.

Focus on Matua Community and Refugees

A significant portion of Modi’s speech was dedicated to addressing the concerns of the Matua community and refugee groups, which have recently been at the centre of political debate. Amid reports of alleged exclusion of names from voter lists in areas like Rajarhat–New Town, the Prime Minister sought to reassure the community, stating that their rights are protected under the Constitution.

Referring to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he said the law was enacted to ensure dignity and legal security for refugees and promised that the citizenship process would be expedited.

Political Strategy Ahead of 2026 Polls

Political observers believe Modi’s outreach is aimed at countering a perceived shift in Matua support away from the BJP in key constituencies stretching from Rajarhat to Bongaon. The Matua vote is considered crucial in several seats, making it a focal point of electoral strategy.

Outlining a broader roadmap, Modi promised employment opportunities, implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, and revival of stalled Central schemes if the BJP forms the government in the state.

He also accused the TMC of spreading misinformation that existing state welfare schemes would be discontinued under a BJP regime. “We will not stop any scheme—only corruption will be stopped,” he said.

Bengal’s Potential vs Governance

Highlighting the state’s economic strengths, Modi remarked that Bengal possesses fertile land, ports, and natural resources but lacks effective governance. Referring to the agricultural richness of Burdwan, he noted that despite its capacity for multiple harvests annually, its full potential remains underutilised.

With high-voltage campaigning now underway, the Prime Minister’s rally in Katwa signals the intensification of the political battle in West Bengal. Welfare delivery, identity politics, and governance are set to dominate the narrative as the state heads toward the 2026 Assembly elections.

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