New Delhi: “The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government is a ruthless government (nirmum sarkar) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) is disrupting Centre’s welfare projects,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while delivering the keynote address at the fourth edition of TV9 Network’s ‘What India Thinks Today Summit 2026’ which kicked off in The Ashok, New Delhi on Monday (March 23).
Hitting out at the Mamata government, PM Modi added that it is pushing brakes on growth. His comments came ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections which will be held in two phases — on April 23 and April 29, 2026.
PM Modi also slammed Congress rule for oil crises. During the Congress-led UPA government (2004–2014), the oil crisis was managed by issuing long-term oil bonds, he pointed out.
‘India has continued to grow’
Amid the global turmoil, India has continued to grow, PM Modi said during his address. After February 28, when the war in West Asia started, in India — from South to North — lot of developmental works were inaugurated and started, the PM pointed out.
PM Modi underlined that when national policy becomes the cornerstone of politics, everyone benefits from it.
The PM graced the Summit for the third time in a row: with prior WITT keynote addresses in March 2025, at the Bharat Mandapam and February 2024, The Ashok New Delhi.
His speech on Monday set the tone for the deliberations and dialogues that will unfold over two days at the mega thought fest.
Under the theme ‘India & The World’, the event will explore the existing and emerging headwinds and tailwinds for the India growth story. It is aimed at drawing a blueprint for the developed India, bringing eminent thinkers, top business leaders, and strong voices from civil society on a common platform.
The conversations in the fourth edition will throw a spotlight on how economic growth, political leadership, cultural influence, and technological innovation could shape India in the short, medium and long run.