Krishnanagar, 23 April (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi masterfully wove his viral roadside jhalmuri indulgence into a scorching critique of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) during a high-octane rally here on Thursday, prophesying the ruling party's annihilation in multiple districts amid surging voter enthusiasm.

Delivering the Vijay Sankalp address on polling day for Bengal's first phase, PM Modi hailed the robust turnout as a harbinger of BJP triumph, quipping that while he savored the puffed rice snack in Jhargram—complete with its signature spice—the jhal (heat) had scorched TMC nerves irreparably. I ate the jhalmuri, but the spice has jolted some profoundly, he remarked wittily, transforming a spontaneous campaign pitstop into a metaphor for public fury against alleged TMC misgovernance.

The moment, which unfolded days earlier when Modi paused at a modest stall for the iconic Rs 10 street food amid blistering heat, has since ignited social media and opposition ire, with TMC dismissing it as a contrived photo-op.

Beyond the banter,PM Modi reiterated his 10-point guarantee for women and children, vowing Mahila Thanas in every block, annual Rs 36,000 transfers, Rs 50,000 aid for girls' graduation, and Rs 21,000 for pregnant mothers—bolstered by schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Mudra loans to forge Lakhpati Didis. He doubled down on prior six guarantees, pledging to supplant TMC's reign of fear with trust, probe suppressed corruption files, jail graft perpetrators, aid legal refugees via CAA while ousting infiltrators, and enact the 7th Pay Commission.

The rally, pulsating with chants, underscored BJP's aggressive push in the 2026 polls, where phase two looms on April 29 and results on May 4—framing Bengal's contest as a referendum on women's dignity and development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar