Although the official election schedule is yet to be announced, the political temperature in West Bengal is hitting a boiling point. Amidst a fierce war of words between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the state for a two-day whirlwind tour in mid-January.

Double Rallies in North and South Bengal

The Prime Minister is scheduled to address two major public meetings covering both the northern and southern fringes of the state. On January 17, PM Modi will hold a rally in North Malda, a region traditionally seen as a high-stakes battleground. The following day, January 18, he will shift his focus to South Bengal with a massive gathering planned in Howrah.

This visit follows a disrupted trip on December 20, when the Prime Minister’s helicopter was unable to land in Nadia’s Taherpur due to poor visibility. On that occasion, he addressed supporters virtually from Kolkata Airport, launching a scathing attack on alleged corruption within the state administration and calling for a change in government.

The SIR Controversy: A New Political Flashpoint

The upcoming visit coincides with a heated dispute over the Summary Interim Revision (SIR) process. The TMC has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of harassing ordinary citizens through this procedure. Party leaders claim that voters will voice their frustration against this “harassment” at the ballot box.

Conversely, the BJP has defended the SIR process, asserting it is a necessary step to weed out illegal immigrants and “Rohingyas” from the electoral rolls. According to BJP leadership, the TMC’s opposition stems from a fear of losing a significant portion of their “illegal” vote bank.

High Stakes and Bold Predictions

The Prime Minister’s visit follows a recent three-day tour by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who expressed supreme confidence in a BJP victory. Shah predicted that the party would secure a two-third majority, stating that “change is inevitable” in Bengal.

Echoing this sentiment, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari recently claimed in Malda that if the “Sanatani” vote consolidates, the BJP could cross the 220-seat mark.

As the state gears up for these high-profile rallies, all eyes are on PM Modi to see what specific message he delivers to the electorate and how he addresses the intensifying local controversies.

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