PM Modi in Bengal and Assam: Development Push, Political Attack on TMC and Congress Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Kolkata and Silchar, unveiling major development projects and delivering sharp political messages against the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and the Indian National Congress.

The visit comes at a politically significant time as West Bengal prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections. In Kolkata, the Prime Minister addressed a massive rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground, marking the culmination of the BJP’s statewide Parivartan Yatra campaign.

Major Development Projects in West Bengal

During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth around ₹18,680 crore across West Bengal. These projects span roads, railways, ports and shipping, aimed at strengthening connectivity and boosting economic growth in eastern India.

The Prime Minister also announced the launch of several national highway projects covering more than 420 km, including sections of NH-19 and NH-114, as well as the Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor.

In the railway sector, six redeveloped railway stations were inaugurated under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at improving passenger facilities and modernising railway infrastructure.

Focus on Ports and Water Transport

Highlighting the importance of maritime infrastructure, PM Modi said that ports and waterways play a crucial role in economic development.

He noted that the Port of Kolkata and the Haldia Dock Complex have long been major trade hubs in eastern India. According to the Prime Minister, the ongoing mechanisation of the Haldia Dock Complex will improve cargo handling, expand capacity, and create new trade facilities.

He also stated that inland waterways are opening new avenues for industrial growth and trade in eastern India.

Strong Political Attack on TMC

In a sharp political attack on the All India Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee, PM Modi claimed that the people of Bengal are ready for political change.

“Change in Bengal is written on the walls and etched in the hearts of the people. The end of the ruthless government is inevitable and the era of jungle rule will end,” he said while addressing the rally.

The Prime Minister also criticised the ruling party for allegedly insulting people attending the rally by calling them thieves, adding that the people of Bengal know “who the real thieves are.”

Concerns Over Youth Migration and Women’s Safety

The Prime Minister said that West Bengal once led India in trade and industry but has now fallen behind. According to him, many young people in the state are unable to find jobs and are forced to migrate to other states for employment.

He also said that during decades of political turmoil in the state — including Partition, communal tensions, and political violence — women in Bengal suffered the most.

Development Push in Assam

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited Silchar in Assam, where he launched projects worth around ₹23,550 crore aimed at transforming the Barak Valley into a major logistics and trade hub.

Among the key initiatives was the Bhoomi Pujan of the Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, a 166-km four-lane greenfield expressway worth around ₹22,860 crore. The corridor will significantly improve connectivity between Shillong and Silchar, reducing travel time from 8.5 hours to about 5 hours.

He also flagged off three new train services to strengthen connectivity in the Northeast and laid the foundation stone for a railway maintenance workshop in Kokrajhar.

Criticism of Congress and Global Situation

During his address in Assam, PM Modi also criticised the Indian National Congress, accusing it of failing to act responsibly at a time when global tensions and conflicts are affecting economies worldwide.

He said the central government is working to minimise the impact of global conflicts on Indian citizens, while accusing the opposition of creating panic for political gain.

Political Significance

The Prime Minister’s visit to Bengal and Assam is seen as a major political and developmental push in eastern and northeastern India ahead of upcoming elections. The BJP leadership hopes that infrastructure expansion, connectivity projects, and economic development initiatives will strengthen its political prospects in the region.

The rally at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground signals the party’s intensifying campaign as it seeks to challenge the ruling TMC in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.