Modi Addresses Rally in Singur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message at a rally in Singur, West Bengal, urging voters to reject what he termed the ‘maha jungle raj’ under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. This rally, held on January 19, 2026, marked a significant moment as the state gears up for assembly elections in three months.
Modi framed the upcoming election as a contest between TMC’s alleged lawlessness and BJP’s promise of ‘sushasan’ or good governance. He emphasized that for Bengal to move forward, it must regain peace and stability to attract both industry and investment.
Context and Challenges Ahead
The term ‘jungle raj’ has historically been used in Indian politics to describe lawlessness and a lack of governance. Modi’s remarks reflect the BJP’s strategy to mobilize voters by portraying TMC’s rule as detrimental to the state’s safety and economic prospects. The PM criticized the TMC for allegedly colluding with infiltrators to secure votes, calling for a decisive voter response as seen in the recent elections in Bihar.
Accusations Against the TMC Government
National Security Concerns
Modi accused the TMC of endangering national security by failing to remove infiltrators who have allegedly settled in Bengal using forged documents. He insisted that the state government must act to identify and deport these individuals to ensure a more secure region.
“Infiltrators who have settled using forged documents must be identified and sent back,” Modi asserted. This statement was part of his broader critique that included accusations against the TMC for prioritizing vote bank politics over the state’s safety.
Border Security Issues
Further, Modi criticized the TMC government for neglecting necessary measures along the Bangladesh border, claiming it has refused to provide land for barbed-wire fencing as requested by the central government. “For the past 11 years, the Centre has repeatedly written to the state government that a barbed-wire fencing must be erected along Bengal’s border, but TMC has shown no concern,” he said.
Impact on Economic Growth
The Prime Minister linked law and order directly to economic growth, stating that industries will not return to Bengal unless there is a robust governance framework. “Industry and investment will come to Bengal only when there is proper law and order,” he emphasized, pledging to eliminate ‘syndicate tax’ and impunity for rioters if the BJP is voted into power.
Modi inaugurated development projects worth ₹830 crores, focusing on a port-led development approach that aims to turn Hooghly into a significant warehousing and trading hub. He expressed optimism that these projects would draw substantial investment and create new job opportunities in the region.
Addressing Education and Social Issues
Education and social reform also featured prominently in Modi’s address. He highlighted the challenges posed by what he termed an educational mafia in the state, claiming it adversely affects children’s prospects for good schooling and future employment. The Prime Minister vowed that if elected, his government would take decisive action against those behind what he called an education scam in Hooghly.
Empowerment of Women and Youth
Calling on women and youth to become agents of change, Modi referenced social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar to inspire these demographics. He asserted, “Children will not get good education or jobs so long as TMC is in govt.” This statement is indicative of the BJP’s efforts to resonate with the younger audience in Bengal.
Cultural Contributions of the BJP Government
Modi also pointed to various cultural milestones achieved during his tenure, including Durga Puja in Kolkata securing the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage tag. He highlighted that the BJP’s government was instrumental in recognizing Santiniketan as a world heritage site and attaining classical language status for Bengali.
“TMC was part of Sonia Gandhi’s government but made no effort. It happened only after the BJP formed the government in Delhi,” Modi remarked, underscoring his party’s commitment to cultural preservation and promotion.
Reactions and Voter Sentiments
Political analysts have noted that Modi’s rally could be pivotal as it comes at a crucial time ahead of state assembly elections. TMC’s long-standing governance, which has been marked by controversy and protests over land acquisition issues such as the Tata Nano plant, faces increasing scrutiny and dissatisfaction.
Local observers suggest that voters could echo the sentiments displayed in Bihar, where the BJP managed to rally public support against incumbent governance issues. Samik Bhattacharya, a BJP leader, stated, “Bengal will defeat TMC in 2026.” This bolsters Modi’s assertion that voters are ready for change.
Next Steps and Final Observations
As West Bengal prepares for the upcoming elections, Modi’s message is clear: the BJP aims to capitalize on perceived governance failures to mobilize support. His call to action highlights crucial issues such as security, economic revitalization, and educational reforms.
The BJP’s campaign strategy in Bengal will leverage Modi’s speeches to underline contrasts between TMC’s rule and their vision of good governance. Observers believe that focusing on tangible development projects may strengthen their position in the region. The coming weeks are likely to see intensified political activities as both parties gear up for a decisive electoral battle.
With the stakes high, the outcome of the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal will likely reflect the electorate’s response to broader narratives of governance, development, and social progress.