Linking Bihar Mandate to Bengal’s Political Future
Highlighting the National Democratic Alliance’s victory in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, Mr. Modi said the mandate reflected the people’s rejection of decades of misgovernance. He invoked the symbolic flow of the Ganga from Bihar to Bengal, stating that the rejection of “jungle-raj” in Bihar should inspire similar change in West Bengal.
According to the Prime Minister, West Bengal has been suffering due to systemic issues that hinder development and public welfare. He claimed that people in the State were now aspiring for a “double-engine government” to ensure faster growth and effective governance.
Allegations Over Illegal Infiltration and SIR
Mr. Modi accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of providing political protection to illegal infiltrators. He alleged that while the TMC raises slogans such as “Go Back Modi,” it remains silent on the issue of illegal immigration.
Referring to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Prime Minister claimed that the TMC was opposing the exercise to prevent infiltrators from being identified. He alleged that infiltrators enjoy patronage under the current State government, which, according to him, compromises national security and democratic processes.
Weather Disruption and Virtual Address
Thousands of supporters had gathered at Taherpur expecting the Prime Minister’s arrival. However, low visibility due to dense fog forced his helicopter to abort the landing. In his brief 15-minute virtual address, Mr. Modi expressed regret and assured the crowd that he would visit West Bengal again soon.
The rally was strategically organised in Nadia district, which has a significant Matua population. The Matua community, primarily Hindu Namasudras who migrated from Bangladesh, has been an important support base for the BJP in recent elections.
Matua Concerns and Citizenship Issues
Despite references to social reformers Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur, founders of the Matua sect, the Prime Minister could not fully allay concerns among the community. Following the first phase of the SIR in West Bengal, many Matua voters reportedly faced deletions from electoral rolls.
While the Union Government has attempted to provide citizenship to eligible migrants under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), opposition leaders claim that the policy has not delivered tangible benefits on the ground. The Trinamool Congress later alleged that the Prime Minister failed to adequately address these anxieties.
Political Messaging Ahead of Assembly Polls
Mr. Modi reiterated the slogan “Bachte Chai, BJP Tai” (To survive, we need BJP), which has been adopted as the party’s campaign slogan for the upcoming Assembly elections. He said that political opposition was acceptable, but obstructing development and holding people to ransom was not.
Calling for unity and development, the Prime Minister said that “Vande Mataram,” penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, remains a guiding mantra. He linked its historic role in India’s freedom struggle to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” in the 21st century.
