New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharpened his attack on the Trinamool Congress on Saturday, using a rally in Malda to send a clear political message ahead of the West Bengal polls. While addressing a large crowd, Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of corruption, neglect and blocking central welfare schemes meant for the poor.
The Prime Minister said his goal was simple that every poor family in Bengal should have a permanent house, free ration and full access to central government schemes. But according to him, these benefits are not reaching people because of what he described as deep-rooted corruption at the state level. He alleged that funds sent by the Centre were being siphoned off by TMC leaders.
‘Bengal deserves better governance’
Modi said Bengal’s future was linked to India’s broader goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. While pointing to BJP’s recent electoral successes in states such as Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar and Maharashtra, he argued that Bengal too needed a change in leadership.
He also referred to Maharashtra and highlighted the BJP’s “historic” civic poll performance including its breakthrough in Mumbai’s civic body elections. Modi also said these results showed that voters were rewarding good governance and development-focused politics.
TMC stands exposed as a party of corruption, appeasement and violence. West Bengal needs a BJP government that prioritises development and people’s welfare. Addressing a massive rally in Malda.@BJP4Bengal
https://t.co/0J3v9ppj4k— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2026
Raising the political pitch, the Prime Minister led slogans with the crowd, saying “paltano dorkar” and asking people to respond with “chai BJP sarkar,” signalling the BJP’s intent to make a strong push in the state.
Allegations over welfare and health schemes
A major part of Modi’s speech focused on welfare delivery. He accused the Bengal government of deliberately blocking central schemes, especially Ayushman Bharat. Modi claimed Bengal was the only state where the health insurance scheme was not implemented, depriving poor families of medical support.
Modi called the state government “cruel” and said it was time for people say goodbye to such politics. He insisted that the Centre’s schemes were designed to help the poorest and should not be stopped for political reasons.
Malda, mangoes and migration
Modi also spoke about local issues affecting Malda and nearby districts. He said the lack of factories had forced people from Malda and Murshidabad to migrate for jobs. He also claimed Mango farmers were suffering due to government apathy.
While referring to floods and river erosion along the Ganga and Fulahar, Modi alleged that relief funds were misused, citing a CAG report. He promised that a BJP government would ensure permanent flood protection and boost Malda’s mango economy with better cold storage facilities.