Hooghly, 26 April (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to voters in West Bengal to cast their ballots in record numbers, saying that a high turnout in the upcoming phase of the Assembly elections will bring real change to the state. Speaking at an election rally in Haripal, Hooghly district, he urged people to set a new benchmark in voting on 29 April, when the second phase of polling will be held.

Rally, political attacks and vote‑share pitch

Addressing a large BJP‑stage gathering after first addressing a meeting in Thakurnagar, Modi lashed out at the ruling Trinamool Congress and called for a decisive shift in favour of the BJP. He hailed Bengal’s great thinkers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and said that the record voter turnout in the first phase of polling should be further improved in the next phase.

Accusing the state government of failing the people, the Prime Minister said “neither Navin nor Mamata Banerjee actually run the government; it is Trinamool’s goons and mafias who are in charge.” He claimed that the administration has lost the public’s trust, forcing citizens to repeatedly approach courts instead of getting redress through normal channels.

Allegations on education scam and law‑and‑order

Referencing the school jobs scandal, PM Modi alleged that Trinamool ministers had “ruined the futures of thousands of youth” and that only after courts intervened did a fair probe begin. He also cited the 2023 panchayat elections, when serious violence and breakdown of order reportedly forced the judiciary to order the deployment of central forces to ensure poll security.

Bringing up violent incidents in places such as Sandeshkhali and other parts of the state, the PM raised questions about the protection and dignity of women under the current government. He said the BJP is committed to ensuring security and respect for women and will take strict action against the guilty if it comes to power.

Focus on farmers, women and welfare promises

On the farmers’ front,PM Modi said the Centre had doubled the minimum support price (MSP) for jute and is actively promoting its use, whereas the state government has allegedly allowed only syndicates to dominate the trade. He claimed that these cartels buy crops cheaply from farmers and sell them at much higher prices, leaving cultivators at a loss.

Promising major support for women, the PM announced that 75 lakh women could soon receive financial assistance to help raise their annual income above ₹1 lakh. He also said that women will be able to access government‑guaranteed loans of up to ₹20 lakh to help them start or expand businesses.

“Jungle Raj, corruption, unemployment” pitch

Invoking Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, PM Modi framed the elections as an opportunity to free Bengal from what he described as “jungle raj, corruption, unemployment and infiltration.” He appealed to voters to mark their ballots for the BJP, saying a strong mandate would deliver better governance, economic growth and security for all sections of society.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar