Hooghly, 26 April (H.S.): A brief moment of chaos unfolded during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public rally in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Sunday, when a woman attempted to breach security and climb onto the stage.

The incident took place at Haripal in Arambagh organizational district while the Prime Minister was addressing the gathering. According to party sources, the woman, believed to be a BJP worker, suddenly crossed the barricade and tried to approach the stage.

Security personnel, including women police officers, immediately intervened and tried to stop her. Eyewitnesses said the woman insisted on meeting the Prime Minister and even lay down on the ground, repeatedly shouting “let me go.” She was eventually removed from the venue by security forces, who carried her away after additional personnel were deployed.

The incident briefly drew the Prime Minister’s attention, but the situation was quickly brought under control and the rally continued without further disruption.

During his speech, Modi announced several initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment. He said efforts would be made to ensure women can earn over ₹1 lakh annually, with benefits reaching around 7.5 million women. He also stated that women would be eligible for loans of up to ₹20 lakh, with government-backed guarantees.

The Prime Minister also criticized the state government over industrial decline, alleging that several factories, including jute mills, have shut down in the Hooghly region over the past 15 years, and blamed the “syndicate system” for economic stagnation.

Referring to Singur, he promised renewed industrial development in the state and accused the ruling dispensation of failing farmers. He further alleged that middlemen exploit potato farmers by buying produce at low prices and selling it at significantly higher rates.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey