Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal on Saturday to kickstart a massive developmental and political offensive ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. In a high-stakes visit to the capital, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a slew of infrastructure projects valued at approximately ₹18,860 crore.

Focus on Connectivity and Growth

Addressing an administrative event, the Prime Minister highlighted the central government’s commitment to accelerating economic growth in Eastern India. The projects unveiled include a significant boost to the region’s road, rail, and port infrastructure:

• Road Infrastructure: Projects covering over 420 km of national highways, valued at around ₹16,990 crore, were inaugurated. Key highlights include sections of NH-19 and NH-114, and the commencement of the Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor. These initiatives are designed to enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time significantly, and curb congestion.

• Maritime Development: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the mechanization of Berth No. 2 at the Haldia Dock Complex and a rejuvenation project at the Khidderpore Docks. These initiatives aim to modernize cargo handling and logistics efficiency at the state’s ports.

• Railway Upgrades: The event saw the inauguration of six redeveloped stations under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ and the flagging off of the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express, further strengthening rail links between West Bengal and the national capital region.

Political Offensive at the Brigade Parade Ground

Transitioning to the political stage at the historic Brigade Parade Ground, the Prime Minister launched a sharp, multi-pronged attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Addressing a massive gathering, Modi asserted that the “end of the ruthless government” in West Bengal is inevitable.

• Accountability over Corruption: Introducing a new political mantra, the Prime Minister stated that the state would now see ‘Sabka Hisab’ (accountability for all) alongside the government’s development slogan, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. He alleged that successive regimes—Congress, Communists, and now the TMC—had prioritized filling their pockets over the state’s development.

• Allegations of Obstruction: Modi accused the state government of deliberately stalling central welfare schemes, including energy initiatives and housing projects, thereby depriving the poor of benefits like the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

• Governance and Security Concerns: Referencing incidents such as the violence in Sandeshkhali and the R.G. Kar tragedy, the Prime Minister charged the state administration with shielding criminals. He further raised alarms regarding illegal infiltration, claiming it had negatively impacted the state’s social fabric.

Diplomatic Tensions

The visit also follows a recent flashpoint between the Centre and the West Bengal government regarding alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the state. The Prime Minister reiterated his stance, describing the handling of the President’s visit—specifically regarding venue arrangements and protocol—as an insult to the Constitution and tribal sentiments, a charge the state government has firmly denied.

With assembly elections looming, the Brigade rally marks a definitive escalation in the BJP’s campaign to challenge the incumbent government’s decade-and-a-half-long rule.