Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a massive public rally in Malda, West Bengal, highlighting the pivotal role of Eastern India in shaping a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He underscored that Eastern India was long shackled by those who thrived on divisive politics, whereas the BJP has freed the region from such constraints.
Touching upon political shifts in the East, PM Modi said, “For the first time, Odisha has formed a BJP government. Tripura has consistently placed its faith in the BJP. Assam too has chosen the BJP in recent elections, and Bihar has recently given a mandate for a BJP–NDA government. With BJP-led good governance surrounding Bengal in all four directions, now it is Bengal’s turn to embrace sushasan.” He added, “Paltano dorkar… chai, BJP shorkar.”
Speaking on development commitments, PM Modi reiterated that the accelerated development of West Bengal is a priority for the BJP-led Central Government. Earlier in the day, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple rail and infrastructure projects. Bengal also received nearly half a dozen new trains, including India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, a Made-in-India, high-speed innovation that begins its operations from Bengal with Malda as one of its stations.
PM Modi said, “I am committed with full honesty and dedication to improving the lives of the people of Bengal. Our focus is to ensure housing for the poor, piped water for lakhs of our sisters, and free ration for all eligible beneficiaries. The benefits of Central schemes must reach every citizen.”
Calling out the TMC government, he added, “The TMC is being inhuman and ruthless by depriving the poor of their rights. Funds sent by the Centre for welfare schemes are looted by TMC workers, making them adversaries of Bengal’s poor. They have blocked Ayushman Bharat, which has provided free treatment to millions across the country. A government that denies the poor their healthcare has no right to continue.”
In Malda, he pointed out that the BJP Government at the Centre has launched the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to provide rooftop solar benefits and reduce household electricity bills to zero. Despite thousands of crores allocated, he said the scheme is obstructed in Bengal, depriving lakhs of households of a transformative opportunity. Also, PM Modi highlighted unemployment-driven migration, neglect of silk farmers, distress among mango farmers, and lack of industrial opportunities.
Referring to corruption and mismanagement by the TMC government, PM Modi said, “The CAG findings on flood relief in Malda expose how genuine victims were denied assistance while TMC-supported individuals received relief transfers multiple times. The PM added, “A BJP government in Bengal will work to restore Malda’s historic glory, expand opportunities for our farmers and youth, and strengthen the mango economy through storage infrastructure and food processing.”
Addressing security concerns, he called infiltration a major threat for Bengal, arguing that infiltrators snatch rights, jobs and security from citizens, disrupt demographic balance and fuel crime and communal tensions. He accused the TMC ecosystem of patronising infiltrators for vote-bank benefits. He assured the people that a BJP government will take strict action against infiltration and infiltrators.
PM Modi urged voters to break this nexus and restore Bengal’s former pride through the power of a single vote. He warned that TMC’s culture of intimidation and violence is nearing its end and that governance rooted in development, dignity and security will prevail.
Click here to read full text speech
BJP has introduced a new model of good governance and development in the country. Today, people across the nation, especially Gen-Z, are giving it their wholehearted support. pic.twitter.com/66cNQ2A8zb
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) January 17, 2026
The TMC government is extremely cruel and ruthless.
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) January 17, 2026
The money that the Central Government sends for the poor is looted here by the TMC. pic.twitter.com/L09Xpehy4G
The people of West Bengal will truly benefit only when the obstructive TMC government is gone and a development-driven BJP government is in place. pic.twitter.com/5rFdUcc1tw
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) January 17, 2026
TMC and its syndicate have long been turning infiltrators into voters. pic.twitter.com/fDhTisP0yy
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) January 17, 2026
TMC's reign of fear and harassment of the poor will be brought to an end. pic.twitter.com/LJ3wQh0k4x
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) January 17, 2026
