Greeting the people of West Bengal on the occasion of the Bengali New Year with the invocation “Joy Maa Kali,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday combined festive wishes with a strong political pitch, calling for change ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections.
In an open letter addressed to the residents of the state, Modi alleged that West Bengal has remained a “victim of misrule and corruption” for the past 15 years, asserting that the time has come to end the deadlock and work towards building a “Developed Bengal”.
Opening his message with a cultural and spiritual note, the Prime Minister quickly shifted to a critical assessment of the state’s current condition, alleging that Bengal’s heritage, culture, and the rights of ordinary citizens have been undermined over the years.
“The safety of Bengal’s mothers and sisters, as well as employment opportunities for its youth, are currently in jeopardy. Under the climate of fear fostered by the current government, the rights of the poor are being plundered,” Modi said.
Positioning the election as more than a routine democratic exercise, the Prime Minister described it as a “golden opportunity” to end the deadlock and determine the future of the state. He characterised the contest as a “battle between fear and trust,” appealing to voters to participate fearlessly in what he termed the “festival of democracy.”
Outlining his vision, Modi said a government led by the BJP would prioritise industrial growth and employment generation, ensuring that the youth of Bengal are not forced to migrate to other states in search of work. He also promised enhanced safety for women, stating they would be able to move freely without fear, and reiterated commitments towards ensuring housing and food security for the poor.
Expressing confidence in the state’s potential, Modi said West Bengal could once again emerge as a leader in the country’s development journey and play a key role in building a “Developed India”.
Political observers view the Prime Minister’s Bengali new year message as a significant outreach effort, blending cultural connect with electoral messaging. As campaigning gathers momentum, the impact of his appeal—urging voters to back the BJP’s ‘Lotus’ symbol—will become clearer in the run-up to polling.
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