Malda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India’s Gen Z believes in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s model of development, asserting that young voters are increasingly supporting what he described as the BJP’s performance-driven governance. Addressing a public rally in Malda in election-bound West Bengal, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the state’s voters would opt for a change in the upcoming Assembly elections, due in a few months.
Citing the BJP’s performance in recent civic body elections in Mumbai, PM Modi said the outcome reflected the growing trust of young voters in the party’s development agenda. Referring to what he described as a landslide victory for the BJP in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, he told the gathering that Gen Z voters had decisively backed the party’s vision for urban development and transparent governance.
Claim of Gen Z support and civic poll outcome
Addressing thousands of party supporters, PM Modi said the youth of the country, particularly first-time voters, were looking for progress, jobs and modern infrastructure rather than what he termed “politics of appeasement”. He linked this sentiment to the BJP’s performance in Mumbai’s civic elections, which he said demonstrated the confidence of young voters in the party.
“Today’s Gen Z believes in development politics. They have shown this clearly in the recent elections,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the BJP’s success in Mumbai should be seen as a sign of things to come in West Bengal as well.
While making the reference, PM Modi projected the civic poll outcome as a milestone for the BJP and said similar support could be expected in Bengal if voters chose development over what he described as misgovernance.
Attack on Trinamool Congress government
Launching a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, PM Modi accused it of corruption, misrule and blocking welfare benefits meant for the people of Bengal. Switching to Bengali for emphasis, he declared, “Ei sarkar palano dorkaar,” meaning “this government needs to be changed”.
The Prime Minister alleged that the Trinamool Congress government was “heartless and cruel” and accused it of looting public money. He further claimed that central funds and welfare schemes were not being allowed to reach the intended beneficiaries due to political reasons.
“Development will come to Bengal only when the Trinamool Congress is defeated and the BJP comes to power,” he said, asserting that a change in government was essential for the state’s progress.
Allegations on infiltration and law and order
Raising the issue of infiltration, PM Modi accused the ruling party in Bengal of shielding illegal infiltrators. He said that the problem had serious implications for national security and local livelihoods.
“Once the BJP comes to power in Bengal, big action will be taken against infiltration,” he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd. The Prime Minister claimed that the current state government had failed to address the issue effectively and had instead allowed it to worsen.
He also linked the issue of infiltration to law and order challenges in the state, alleging that ordinary citizens were suffering due to political patronage extended to anti-social elements.
Assurance to refugees and CAA reference
PM Modi also sought to reassure the Matua community and other refugees who have migrated to India from neighbouring countries due to religious persecution. He said they had nothing to fear, pointing out that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was meant to protect their rights and provide them dignity and security.
“The Matua brothers and sisters and other persecuted refugees are safe. CAA is there to protect them,” he said, reiterating the BJP’s commitment to the law.
The Prime Minister accused the Trinamool Congress of spreading misinformation about the CAA to create fear among minority communities. He said such politics had deprived genuine beneficiaries of their rightful protections and benefits.
Bengal polls and BJP’s electoral pitch
With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, PM Modi’s speech focused heavily on projecting the BJP as a credible alternative to the ruling Trinamool Congress. He said the BJP would bring transparent governance, better infrastructure and employment opportunities if voted to power.
He appealed to voters, especially the youth, to assess governments based on performance and long-term vision rather than slogans. According to him, the BJP’s governance model in states where it is in power had delivered results in terms of highways, digital infrastructure, housing and welfare delivery.
PM Modi also highlighted the role of the Centre in supporting states through development projects, alleging that Bengal had lagged behind because the state government was not cooperating with the Union government.
Conclusion
As the election campaign in West Bengal gains momentum, PM Modi’s remarks in Malda underline the BJP’s strategy of pitching development and youth support against allegations of corruption and misgovernance by the Trinamool Congress. By invoking Gen Z voters, civic poll results and issues such as infiltration and refugee protection, the Prime Minister sought to build a narrative of change and confidence ahead of the crucial state elections.
With political temperatures rising and sharp exchanges expected in the coming weeks, Bengal appears set for an intense electoral battle as parties vie to shape the aspirations of its diverse electorate.