Modi steps up attack on TMC, predicts BJP repeat of Nandigram in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday intensified the BJP’s offensive against the ruling Trinamool Congress, asserting that the party’s 2021 “feat” in Nandigram would be repeated in Bhabanipur and across West Bengal.

Addressing back-to-back rallies, Modi said the political shift that began in Nandigram—where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost to former aide-turned-BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari—would now extend statewide. “Nandigram showed the path for change. Now Bengal is moving in that direction. The same will be repeated in Bhabanipur,” he said.

Focus on governance and corruption

The Prime Minister sharpened his attack on the TMC over governance and corruption, promising accountability if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power. He pledged to restore “trust and remove fear,” reopen files on alleged scams and crimes against women, act against corruption regardless of rank, grant rights to refugees while tackling infiltration, and implement the 7th Pay Commission for state employees.

Fisheries, development and ‘double-engine’ pitch

From Haldia to Asansol and Birbhum, Modi repeatedly raised issues around fisheries and food politics, accusing the state government of failing to make Bengal self-reliant in fish production. He credited central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for boosting output elsewhere, alleging the TMC had not implemented them effectively.

In Asansol, he said Bengal was “yearning for a double-engine government,” promising a new phase of development after the polls. He also criticised the TMC’s slogan “Ma, Mati, Manush,” claiming that “the mother is crying, the soil is being grabbed, and people are living in fear.”

Attack sharpens over law and order

In Birbhum, Modi cited the Bogtui violence to label TMC rule as “jungle raj,” questioning whether such incidents should continue.

Mamata Banerjee hits back

Responding at a rally, Banerjee rejected BJP’s claims and asserted that the TMC would retain power despite concerns over voter list deletions. She also defended her government’s record on fisheries, highlighting initiatives to boost production and conserve Hilsa.

“Initial counting trends may show BJP ahead in some areas, but later rounds will turn results in our favour,” she said.

With both sides stepping up their rhetoric, the battle for Bengal is entering a high-pitched phase ahead of polling.