Prime Minister Narendra Modi kickstarts BJP’s Mission Bengal 2025 from Alipurduar, targeting cross-border concerns with Bangladesh, corruption under TMC, and pledging development. Here’s a deep dive into the rally, implications, and the road to the 2026 Assembly elections.
BJP’s Roadmap to 2026 Begins in Alipurduar
On May 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Alipurduar in North Bengal to formally launch the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mission Bengal 2025, signaling the start of an aggressive campaign aimed at the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. In a powerful speech to a massive crowd, Modi took direct aim at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of corruption, violence, and neglecting border security, especially with neighboring Bangladesh.
Alipurduar, strategically located near the Indo-Bangladesh border, was not a random choice. By launching Mission Bengal 2025 from this region, Modi underscored BJP’s dual-focus agenda—national security and regional development—while connecting with the cultural and emotional sentiments of Bengal’s people.
Nationalism and Border Politics Take Center Stage
Security Threats from Across the Border
One of the main highlights of Modi’s speech was his strong messaging on cross-border threats. He invoked the geographical proximity of North Bengal to Bangladesh to amplify concerns about illegal infiltration, smuggling, and the broader implications for national security. Modi described the region as a “border bastion” and criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led government for what he called “lenient policies” towards infiltration.
In a statement heavy with symbolism, Modi said, “The land that has given birth to freedom fighters will not surrender to infiltrators and corrupt governance.” He promised stricter surveillance, advanced border fencing, and a zero-tolerance approach to illegal migration.
Operation Sindoor and Bengal’s Cultural Symbolism
Linking Military Action with Bengali Identity
Modi cleverly weaved the recent Operation Sindoor into his narrative. The operation, which India reportedly conducted in retaliation to terror activity supported by Pakistan, was used to stir nationalistic pride. In Bengal’s context, “Sindoor” has deep cultural resonance due to the traditional Sindoor Khela ritual during Durga Puja. Modi’s use of this metaphor was strategic, aiming to blend religious-cultural identity with the idea of national defense.
“From the land of Sindoor Khela comes the message that India knows how to protect its dignity,” Modi declared, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Corruption, Cut Money, and Allegations Against TMC
Reviving the 2021 Playbook
Modi revisited a now-familiar theme from the 2021 Assembly campaign—cut money, or the alleged practice of extracting bribes for government services. He accused TMC leaders of turning public welfare schemes into profit-making opportunities.
“Every brick of development in Bengal is taxed by TMC leaders,” said Modi. “People are forced to pay bribes even to get their rightful benefits.”
These comments come as several TMC leaders are facing legal challenges over teacher recruitment scams, coal pilferage, and irregularities in central scheme disbursals like PMAY and MGNREGA.
Promise of Development: Infrastructure, Gas, and Jobs
₹1,010 Crore Gas Project for North Bengal
Alongside political messaging, Modi also flagged tangible development plans. He inaugurated a ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project for Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. The project is expected to:
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Supply piped natural gas to over 2.5 lakh households
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Set up 19 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations
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Create thousands of local jobs
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Reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions
This initiative aligns with the BJP’s larger narrative of combining nationalism with development (often coined as “Vikas and Virasat”).
Polarization Politics and the Hindu Vote Bank
Appeal to Religious Sentiment
Modi didn’t shy away from addressing the majority Hindu population in North Bengal. In his speech, he claimed that the “appeasement politics” of TMC had eroded Hindu rights, especially in border areas where demographic changes are often linked to illegal immigration.
The Prime Minister said that BJP would ensure that the “Hindu way of life,” local temples, and spiritual institutions were protected and respected. He also referred to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), promising swift implementation for persecuted Hindus from Bangladesh.
Reactions from the TMC and Opposition
TMC Calls It “Desperate Politics”
TMC leaders responded strongly to Modi’s speech. Senior party functionary Kunal Ghosh said, “The Prime Minister has nothing new to offer Bengal. His speech was divisive and failed to explain why the central government has blocked MNREGA and PMAY funds.”
TMC MP Mahua Moitra questioned the sincerity of Modi’s border-security narrative, pointing out the central government’s own record in monitoring border infiltration.
BJP’s Bengal Strategy: North Bengal First
Why Alipurduar Matters
The choice of Alipurduar wasn’t accidental. BJP had made substantial gains in North Bengal during the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections. The region, dominated by tribal, Rajbanshi, and Gorkha communities, has long expressed dissatisfaction with Kolkata-centric governance.
By choosing Alipurduar, the BJP is hoping to:
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Rebuild its North Bengal base
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Reignite the conversation on a separate North Bengal state (a sensitive but mobilizing issue)
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Tap into ethnic and linguistic grievances
The Bangladesh Angle: Diplomatic Subtext
Reading Between the Lines
Political analysts also pointed out the subtle diplomatic messaging in Modi’s address. His strong words on border infiltration may be directed not just at domestic audiences but also at Dhaka. With elections in Bangladesh due in early 2026, the BJP’s focus on this region may be aimed at influencing bilateral dialogue.
The mention of Bangladesh also ties into larger geopolitical concerns—India’s Look East Policy, China’s presence in South Asia, and cross-border insurgency routes through the Northeast.
Modi’s Political Persona and the Cult of Strong Leadership
2026 as a Referendum on National Vision
By invoking national pride, security, and development in a state election rally, Modi is essentially converting the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections into a referendum on his own leadership. The BJP hopes that Modi’s image as a decisive, development-driven leader can overcome regional resistance to the party’s ideology.
Post-Operation Sindoor, Modi’s personal popularity has spiked in several Hindi heartland states. BJP is betting this effect will carry into Bengal’s more diverse and politically volatile environment.
The Road Ahead: Can Mission Bengal 2025 Succeed?
Challenges for BJP
Despite a high-octane launch, BJP faces multiple challenges:
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Organizational Weakness: The party still lacks grassroots cadre strength compared to TMC.
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Factionalism: Infighting between state leaders like Sukanta Majumdar, Dilip Ghosh, and Suvendu Adhikari is hurting cohesion.
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Lingering Resentment: After the 2021 defeat, many voters feel BJP failed to live up to its promises of development and job creation.
Opportunities
However, disillusionment with TMC’s corruption scandals and delays in central fund disbursals offer openings. The BJP is expected to:
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Field new, cleaner candidates
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Focus heavily on social media campaigns targeting young voters
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Highlight central schemes with state-level implementation roadblocks
Mission Bengal 2025 Has Officially Begun
With Narendra Modi’s grand rally in Alipurduar, Mission Bengal 2025 has been officially launched. By blending hard politics with cultural symbolism, and nationalism with regional development, the BJP has made it clear that it intends to give the TMC a serious fight in 2026.
As the campaign season intensifies, both parties will battle for control over Bengal’s future. Whether Modi’s charisma and BJP’s “double-engine” development promise can topple Mamata Banerjee’s entrenched rule remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—the countdown to 2026 has begun.
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