Bengal Politics: PM Narendra Modi attacks Congress, Left and TMC governments in Kolkata rally, accusing them of corruption, infiltration politics and halting West Bengal’s development ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata, India | March 14, 2026
Bengal Politics Dominates PM Modi’s Brigade Rally Speech
Bengal Politics took centre stage on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong political attack on previous governments in West Bengal, accusing them of prioritising personal gains while the state’s development stagnated. Addressing a large gathering at Kolkata’s historic Brigade Parade Ground, the Prime Minister said successive administrations had failed to deliver progress for the people of the state.
According to him, different political parties ruled Bengal over the decades but none focused seriously on development. Instead, he alleged, they enriched themselves while infrastructure and industry in the state suffered setbacks.
PM Accuses Congress, Left and TMC of Halting Progress
During his speech, the Prime Minister said Bengal Politics had been dominated by parties that allegedly cared more about their own interests than the state’s growth. He mentioned that the Congress governed earlier, followed by the Communist parties, and later the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
“First the Congress, then the Communists, and now the TMC—each came to power and filled their pockets while development remained stalled,” he said. Modi claimed that Bengal gradually fell behind other states in terms of infrastructure growth and economic opportunities. He also stated that many industries shut down and businesses declined over the years.
₹18,680 Crore Connectivity Projects Announced
During the visit, the Prime Minister also unveiled connectivity and infrastructure projects worth ₹18,680 crore in West Bengal. These projects are aimed at improving transport links, boosting trade and strengthening the region’s economic prospects.
The government believes that stronger connectivity will help revive investment and create employment opportunities across the state.
Modi Alleges Infiltration and Demographic Changes
The Prime Minister also accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls because it allegedly protects “infiltrators” who are part of its vote bank.
He claimed that illegal immigration had become a major political and security issue in West Bengal. According to Modi, infiltration over the years had changed the demographic composition in certain regions of the state.
He further alleged that the TMC opposed the removal of illegal names from the voter list. “They do not want the voter list to be purified because infiltrators’ names would be removed,” he said.
Voter List Revision Sparks Political Debate
Official figures released after the electoral roll revision exercise indicate that around 63.66 lakh names—about 8.3 per cent of the electorate—have been removed since the process began in November last year. As a result, the total voter base in West Bengal has declined from nearly 7.66 crore to just above 7.04 crore.
Additionally, more than 60 lakh voters have been placed under the “under adjudication” category. Their eligibility will be determined after further legal verification.
The issue has become a major political flashpoint ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. While the BJP argues that the process is necessary to remove illegal voters, the ruling TMC has alleged that genuine voters are being targeted.
Accusations of Appeasement Politics
Prime Minister Modi also criticised the TMC government over its stance on granting citizenship to Hindu refugees who fled religious persecution in neighbouring countries. He claimed the ruling party opposed such moves because those refugees did not form part of its electoral support base.
According to the Prime Minister, unchecked infiltration has affected security and social balance in several parts of Bengal.
Allegations of Lawlessness and Political Intimidation
Sharpening his criticism, Modi accused the state government of allowing criminal networks to influence governance. He alleged that extortion and “cut-money” practices had become sources of income for political groups.
The Prime Minister also claimed that political intimidation had become common in the state. According to him, voters, opposition parties and even journalists face pressure during elections.
“TMC has turned fear into a political weapon,” he said, alleging that voters are threatened and told they may lose government benefits if they do not support the ruling party.
‘Countdown Has Begun’ for TMC Government
Sending a strong political message ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Modi declared that the ruling party’s time in power was nearing its end.
He said a future government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party would focus on governance based on the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”—development for all with the support of everyone.
The Prime Minister also warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in political violence or intimidation.
Call for Political Change in Bengal
In the closing part of his speech, Modi urged the people of West Bengal to bring about political change through democratic means.
“This election is not only about changing a government,” he said. “It is about ending fear, stopping corruption and protecting the future of Bengal.”
The rally marked the Prime Minister’s first visit to West Bengal since the publication of the revised electoral rolls on February 28, an issue that has intensified political debates ahead of the 2026 state elections.
