PM Modi in Alipurduar: On May 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive rally in Alipurduar, West Bengal, launching a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). With general elections approaching and tensions high following Operation Sindoor, Modi’s speech marked a significant moment in West Bengal’s political landscape. Reiterating the BJP’s commitment to development, transparency, and national security, he called upon the people of West Bengal to reject what he termed as a “culture of corruption and violence” entrenched by the TMC.
PM Modi in Alipurduar: Modi’s Visit and Political Timing
PM Modi’s visit to Alipurduar came amidst growing unrest and security concerns in the region, following recent cross-border threats and the nationwide Operation Sindoor. The visit was his first public rally in the state after the launch of the operation and is seen as an attempt to galvanize support for the BJP ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections.
Alipurduar, strategically located in North Bengal, has emerged as a crucial battleground district for both the BJP and TMC. The region’s socio-political sensitivities, along with tribal and tea-garden worker demographics, make it a vital electoral segment.
Key Highlights of Modi’s Alipurduar Speech
1. The Call for Freedom from ‘Syndicate Raj’
PM Modi’s central argument revolved around the term Syndicate Raj — a phrase he used to describe a system of extortion and political coercion allegedly run by TMC workers and middlemen. According to Modi, this system has taken deep root in various spheres of life, from real estate to education and public welfare.
He emphasized that every honest effort by the people of West Bengal is hindered by this nexus of corruption and political interference. The Prime Minister called on voters to “liberate Bengal from this culture of commission and cut money.”
2. Allegations of Corruption in Welfare Schemes
Modi accused the West Bengal government of obstructing the rollout of several central welfare schemes, including PM Awas Yojana (housing), Ayushman Bharat (health), and Kisan Samman Nidhi (farmer income support). He claimed that state-level implementation had been compromised by bribes and demands for “cut money” by local functionaries.
“These schemes are meant for the poor. But in Bengal, unless you pay the syndicate, you don’t get your house, your health card, or your ration,” Modi alleged.
3. Focus on Development and Employment
Modi contrasted the BJP’s governance model with what he portrayed as the TMC’s failure to deliver basic infrastructure and jobs. Highlighting projects like the ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) initiative launched in Alipurduar during his visit, he said the BJP government at the Centre was committed to bringing clean energy and employment to Bengal.
This project aims to connect over 2.5 lakh households to piped gas and establish 19 CNG stations, thus modernizing urban infrastructure in North Bengal and creating local job opportunities.
4. National Security: Operation Sindoor and Beyond
PM Modi also addressed Operation Sindoor, India’s recent cross-border strategic crackdown, which was initiated following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists — many of them from Bengal. Modi reminded the audience that national security remains paramount and hinted at further operations if necessary.
He took a veiled dig at the West Bengal government for its perceived lack of cooperation with central security efforts, asserting that “Bengal’s borders need protection not just from infiltrators but also from internal complacency.”
5. Women’s Safety and Social Justice
Touching on sensitive social issues, Modi pointed to several incidents of gender violence in the state and accused the TMC government of shielding culprits due to political affiliations. “The daughters of Bengal need security, not slogans,” he said, appealing directly to women voters.
He also mentioned the recent job scam cases and the treatment of unemployed teachers and job aspirants. “While our youth struggle for fair employment, the TMC leaders are busy shielding their own,” he remarked.
Reactions from the TMC
Mamata Banerjee’s Counterattack
Shortly after Modi’s speech, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed the Prime Minister’s statements as “pre-election theatrics.” She accused the BJP of politicizing sensitive issues and said that the Centre had failed to release funds owed to the state.
“TMC will never bow down to Delhi’s diktats,” Banerjee said at a press meet in Kolkata. She also claimed that Modi was misleading the people about central schemes and that the state had performed better than national averages in welfare distribution.
Other TMC Leaders Weigh In
Leaders like Derek O’Brien and Firhad Hakim pointed out that the BJP itself was embroiled in corruption scandals at the central level. They challenged Modi to explain the alleged misuse of electoral bonds and central agency bias before pointing fingers at the state.
Public Reactions and Ground Sentiment
Support for BJP’s Narrative in North Bengal
North Bengal has traditionally been more receptive to BJP’s messaging, especially due to its distinct demographic, comprising tribal communities, Gorkhas, and tea garden workers. The syndicate narrative and issues of regional neglect have resonated strongly in these areas.
At the Alipurduar rally, BJP supporters expressed their desire for “real change.” One attendee, a tea garden worker, said, “We want development, not just rallies and riots. Modi ji brings hope.”
TMC’s Grassroots Resilience
Despite BJP’s aggressive push, the TMC still commands strong grassroots support, particularly among rural women beneficiaries of state schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar. The party’s organizational depth, bolstered by local clubs and block-level functionaries, makes it formidable even in districts where anti-incumbency is growing.
Media and Analyst Perspectives
Political analysts view Modi’s rally as a crucial milestone in BJP’s West Bengal campaign. While the party has made gains in the northern districts, its challenge lies in breaking TMC’s urban-rural social coalition in the south.
“Modi’s focus on corruption and national security plays well to the middle class and first-time voters,” said Kolkata-based political commentator Sandip Ghosh. “However, TMC’s welfare reach and emotional connect with Bengali identity remain significant counterweights.”
What Comes Next?
Election Strategy and Cadre Mobilization
BJP sources say that Alipurduar was chosen deliberately to signal renewed focus on North Bengal, where they aim to win at least 25 of the 54 seats in the region. The party will follow up with yatras, community meetings, and digital campaigns.
TMC, on the other hand, plans to counter this by highlighting Centre-State funding gaps and mobilizing women’s self-help groups and youth volunteers to shore up its defense.
Issues to Watch
-
Implementation and political framing of Operation Sindoor
-
The fallout of ongoing SSC and recruitment scams
-
Gender violence and the law-and-order narrative
-
PM Awas and other central schemes’ effectiveness in Bengal
-
Employment rates and industrial investment figures in Bengal vs BJP-ruled states
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Alipurduar was more than just a political event — it was a strategic declaration of war on what the BJP terms as the “TMC model of misrule.” By blending national security concerns with local grievances and promising clean governance, Modi sought to position the BJP as the only viable alternative for Bengal’s future.
As the political temperature rises in the state, the battle lines are now clearly drawn. Whether West Bengal heeds Modi’s call to “free itself from violence and corruption” or stays loyal to Mamata Banerjee’s welfare-driven politics will be decided in the months to come.
External Links (Do Follow)
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
