Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sounded the electoral alarm to voters in West Bengal from Malda, declaring that the moment had arrived to form the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to become the state’s government. In addressing a massive public gathering the prime minister stated that Bengal merited “good governance” and accused the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) of corruption, insufficient development, and depriving people of their due benefits.

“Now It’s Bengal’s Turn for Good Governance,” Says PM Modi

In his address to the crowd, PM Modi stated that the BJP-led government across the country has delivered the benefits of development and welfare, and now Bengal was the next to benefit. He reminded the crowd of his previous statement shortly after during the Bihar elections, in which he said that thanks to the blessings and support from Ma Ganga, the “river of development” will be flowing into Bengal. As per his assertion, the change will be facilitated only through the BJP.

Call-and-Response Chant Energises Crowd

In a bid to increase the intensity of his campaign and demonstrate his leadership, the prime minister engaged the crowd with the call-and-response phrase. He declared “paltano dorkar” (there must be a change) and the crowd was prompted to respond with “chai BJP sarkar” (we would like the formation of a BJP administration). It was chanted a number of times, invigorating the crowd during the gathering.

PM Modi Targets TMC Over Development and Farmer Welfare

The PM Modi government was targeted. Mamata Banerjee led TMC Government, PM Modi declared that industrial development was slowing across the entire state. He said farms were not being built, there was no industry in the area and farmers weren’t receiving government subsidies and the people were not receiving their fair portion of development. In his opinion, the welfare money provided by the Centre wasn’t reaching the poor because of inefficiency at the level of government.

Allegations of Corruption in Welfare Schemes

The prime minister stated that his aim was to guarantee that each low-income family living in Bengal had a home that was permanent with a free meal, as well as the full benefits of the central welfare programs. But, he claimed that the benefits were being stifled by the government of Bengal. He claimed that money given through the Centre for the poor was taken by TMC officials, which was causing obstacles in the development process.

Ayushman Bharat Not Implemented in Bengal: PM Modi

PM Modi further stated that West Bengal was the only state where the Ayushman-Bharat health scheme was not put into place.

The PM said that people who are poor are being denied free medical care through the program. He called the system “cruel,” he urged the voters to put an end to the shady government.

PM Modi Raises Issue of Illegal Infiltration

Concerning illegal infiltration, now an important political issue for the State, the chief minister has said that infiltrators need to be eliminated.

Without naming any nation or nation, he stated that even advanced nations are taking a tough stance against illegal immigrants to guard their borders.

‘Modi’s Guarantee’ for Matua Community

Speaking to the Matua community, Prime Minister Modi assured the community that their rights will remain guaranteed by the Constitution. The PM said this was “Modi’s guarantee,” offering security ahead of the forthcoming elections.

BJP Steps Up Campaign Ahead of Elections

In his speech in Malda the prime minister showed that the BJP will increase its efforts to defeat The TMC to the west of West Bengal, setting the conditions for a high stakes contest as the elections get closer.