Durgapur (West Bengal): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of stalling development, fuelling corruption, and fostering lawlessness.

Addressing a mega rally at Nehru Stadium in Durgapur, PM Modi said the people of Bengal are yearning for change, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is committed to restoring the state's past industrial and cultural glory.

“BJP wants to build a developed Bengal, a prosperous Bengal. Today’s projects are a humble effort in that direction,” he said, referring to infrastructure and energy initiatives being undertaken by the Centre in the region.

Despite rain and long waits, a large crowd gathered to hear the Prime Minister, who began by expressing gratitude to the children who brought him handmade drawings and letters.

“This land is filled with inspiration. It is the land of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who gave India its first industrial policy, and of visionaries like Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who dreamt of industrial hubs like Durgapur,” he said.

PM Modi noted that Bengal was once a magnet for talent and industry but now faces an exodus of youth seeking work elsewhere.

“Once industrial centres like Durgapur, Asansol, and Bardhaman are now seeing factories shut down instead of expanding. Today’s project launches mark the beginning of change,” he said.

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He cited central government investments of ₹1,000 crore in upgrading infrastructure for CNG vehicles and modernising steel plants, aiming to reduce fuel costs and boost job opportunities.

“We want gas to reach every household just like water does from taps. That’s our dream,” he added.

Calling for a political shift in the state, he said, “Only after the fall of the TMC government will real change come. The day TMC goes, Bengal will start running at a new pace.”

He accused the TMC of obstructing development by fuelling corruption, sheltering criminal elements, and running a ‘syndicate raj’ that discourages investors.

“No one wants to invest in a state where police work at the behest of one political party and justice is elusive,” he said.

Citing examples of BJP-led states like Assam, Tripura and Odisha, Modi said the eastern region of India is transforming wherever BJP has been given a chance.

“Give us one opportunity. A developed Bengal is Modi’s guarantee,” he declared.

The Prime Minister also touched upon law and order issues in the state, especially concerning women’s safety.

On the birth anniversary of Dr. Kadambini Ganguly, India’s first modern woman doctor, Modi condemned recent incidents of violence against female doctors and women, accusing TMC of shielding perpetrators.

“Women are not safe in Bengal. TMC leaders are protecting offenders instead of standing with victims,” he said, adding that such brutality must end for Bengal to truly progress.

He criticised the state's education system, saying thousands of teachers have lost jobs due to systemic corruption, and students are suffering the consequences.

“Even the courts are calling it systematic corruption,” he said.

Touching on cultural pride, PM Modi said the BJP has honoured Bengal’s legacy, giving classical language status to Bengali and recognising the contributions of figures like poet Bishnu Dey, whose birth anniversary was also marked on Friday.

The PM reiterated BJP’s roots in Bengal, founded by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who “sacrificed his life for one nation, one constitution.”

He said Bengal's identity and culture are under threat from illegal infiltration facilitated by the TMC, which he accused of crossing all limits of appeasement.

“Let me be clear from the land of Maa Durga — those who are not citizens of India and have entered illegally will be dealt with according to the Constitution. No conspiracy against Bengal’s identity will succeed. That’s Modi’s guarantee,” he said.

Modi also criticised the TMC for allegedly blocking central welfare schemes.

“From clean drinking water to housing under PM Awas Yojana and health insurance under Ayushman Bharat — while the entire nation benefits, Bengal is deprived because of the TMC government,” he said, claiming that many projects remain stalled due to state-level corruption or non-cooperation.

He ended his speech with a call for a new government in Bengal that can guarantee peace and security. “There is a new energy in the villages. People want change. Let us all work together for that,” he said.

“Bharat Mata ki Jai! Vande Mataram!” he concluded.