Durgapur, West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Durgapur on Friday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of development initiatives in West Bengal.
These projects span across critical sectors such as oil and gas, power, roadways, and railways — and are aimed at boosting the state’s infrastructure and economic growth.
The Prime Minister’s visit marked a significant push towards improving connectivity and energy access in the region.
However, his address to a large public gathering quickly turned political as he launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over corruption, women’s safety, and alleged appeasement policies.
Development Projects for West Bengal
The event in Durgapur saw the unveiling of multiple infrastructure and energy sector projects, part of a broader vision to enhance logistical efficiency and energy self-sufficiency in Eastern India.
The Prime Minister highlighted how the new ventures would create jobs, facilitate industrial development, and improve public services for residents of West Bengal and beyond.
“These projects are not just investments in infrastructure, they are investments in the aspirations of the people of West Bengal,” Modi said. “Be it rail, road, power or energy — development should touch every corner of the state.”
While specifics of each project were not elaborated in the Prime Minister’s address, government officials confirmed that the initiatives include expansions in oil and gas pipeline networks, railway connectivity upgrades, and road infrastructure improvements between key industrial hubs.
Attack on TMC Over Alleged ‘Gunda Tax’ and Corruption
Shifting focus to the political landscape, PM Modi accused the TMC government of creating a hostile environment for businesses through extortion and threats.
“In West Bengal, money is being demanded from traders and industrialists. TMC goons intimidate entrepreneurs. This ‘Gunda Tax’ is a major hurdle for investment,” Modi alleged.
He claimed that corruption and political interference under the TMC regime had severely impacted the state’s economic potential and investor confidence. “For its own gain, the TMC government has put the identity and progress of West Bengal at stake,” he added.
Allegations of Infiltration and Forged Documents
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about alleged infiltration in border areas of the state. Without naming specific communities, Modi accused the state government of encouraging illegal immigration and facilitating it with fraudulent documentation.
“Infiltration is being promoted. Fake documents are being made for those who are not citizens. This is not just a threat to Bengal but to the entire nation,” he warned.
“Appeasement politics is being taken to dangerous extremes in West Bengal.”
He assured that action would be taken against individuals residing in the country illegally and reiterated his government’s commitment to national security and identity verification mechanisms.
Criticism of Law and Order and Women’s Safety
In a particularly sharp segment of his speech, PM Modi criticised the TMC-led government over a deteriorating law and order situation, especially concerning crimes against women.
“Daughters are not safe in West Bengal. Even hospitals have become unsafe,” he said, referring to the controversial rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
“The TMC protected the accused in that horrific case. Before the nation could even come to terms with that tragedy, another brutal incident occurred in another college. And once again, the accused is linked to the TMC.”
Modi accused the TMC of shielding criminals and failing to ensure justice for victims, vowing that his party would not allow such atrocities to go unanswered.
Political Significance Ahead of 2026 State Elections
The Prime Minister’s speech comes at a crucial time, as political parties in West Bengal gear up for the 2026 state assembly elections.
Modi’s emphasis on development coupled with fierce criticism of the TMC’s governance model indicates the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) continued focus on West Bengal as a key battleground.
With recent controversies surrounding law and order, and increasing concerns over border security, BJP appears poised to sharpen its campaign narrative around issues of safety, national identity, and economic growth.
Friday’s event in Durgapur not only reinforced the central government’s development agenda but also set the tone for the political discourse in West Bengal in the months to come.
