New Delhi, 23 February (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday issued an open letter addressed to the people of West Bengal, reiterating his commitment to the state’s comprehensive development and urging citizens to take an informed decision about its future.

Beginning his letter with the salutation “Jai Maa Kali,” the Prime Minister said the coming months would be crucial for West Bengal and that its future would depend on the choices made by the people. He stated that youth, women and senior citizens in the state aspire for a better future and that their concerns resonate with him.

Referring to various welfare initiatives of the central government, the Prime Minister said efforts over the past years have focused on empowerment of the poor, farmers, youth and women. He said around five crore people in West Bengal have been linked to the banking system through the Jan Dhan scheme, while 85 lakh toilets have been constructed under the Swachh Bharat Mission. He also cited loans amounting to Rs 2.82 lakh crore extended to small traders and entrepreneurs and said over one crore families have received cooking gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme.

The Prime Minister stated that 56 lakh people in the state have enrolled under the Atal Pension Yojana and that housing has been provided to a large number of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He added that 52 lakh farmers are receiving direct financial assistance under the PM-Kisan scheme.

In the letter, Modi also referred to West Bengal’s historical and cultural legacy, recalling its role in the freedom movement and its contribution to national development. He expressed concern over issues such as unemployment and migration of youth, and called for improved development, employment opportunities, healthcare facilities and women’s safety.

The Prime Minister urged citizens to participate in the state’s development journey and contribute to shaping its future. He said collective efforts would be necessary to ensure a stable and progressive West Bengal.

Concluding the letter, Modi expressed confidence that with public support, West Bengal could strengthen its position among the leading states of the country by 2026.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar