PM Modi Launches Scathing Attack on Trinamool Congress at Siliguri Rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a fiery address at a Bharatiya Janata Party election rally in Siliguri on Sunday, launching a direct assault on the ruling Trinamool Congress. In his speech, the Prime Minister accused the Trinamool of actively supporting what he termed a "tukde-tukde gang" – groups he claimed had previously threatened to sever the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor to separate northeast India from the rest of the country.
National Security Concerns and Allegations of Separatist Support
"Siliguri is the gateway to national security. The Siliguri Corridor is not merely a word. It's an arm of a strong nation," Modi declared emphatically. "The tukde-tukde gang in the country had threatened to sever the Siliguri Corridor. They wanted to separate the northeast from the rest of India."
The Prime Minister asserted that Trinamool Congress provides backing to such elements both in Parliament and on the streets, revealing what he called their "true face". This accusation forms part of Modi's broader narrative positioning the BJP as the guardian of national integrity against what he portrays as divisive forces.
Demographic Changes and Regional Neglect Allegations
Modi further intensified his criticism by addressing what he described as concerning demographic shifts in north Bengal due to infiltration. "Language and culture are changing, while jobs are being usurped. If this can't be stopped now, it'll be too late," he warned, framing the issue as urgent and critical for the region's future.
The Prime Minister branded Trinamool as an "anti-north Bengal" party, citing what he called deliberate neglect of the region. He highlighted a specific incident from last year when, according to Modi, the Trinamool government proceeded with its Durga Puja carnival on Kolkata's Red Road while vast areas of north Bengal suffered devastating floods.
"When several districts in north Bengal faced a crisis after heavy showers and people were crying for help, TMC's nirmam (cruel) government was celebrating in Kolkata," Modi stated, using the allegation to underscore his claim of regional bias.
Financial Mismanagement and Development Contrasts
Modi accused the Trinamool administration of systematic financial neglect toward north Bengal, alleging that central funds meant for the region were diverted. "Trinamool has intentionally kept north Bengal backward. Over the years, people suffered negligence. Central funds were usurped by Trinamool's men," he charged.
In a pointed comparison, Modi claimed that while north Bengal received insufficient funding, the state government allocated Rs 6,000 crore to madrasas, suggesting misplaced priorities in resource distribution.
Contrasting this alleged neglect, the Prime Minister detailed BJP's comprehensive development vision for north Bengal, including:
- The proposed Sevok-Rangpo rail link connecting Siliguri with Sikkim
- Vande Bharat Express services from Malda
- Major redevelopment projects for stations including New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Kamakhyaguri
Electoral Promises and Community Outreach
The BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Bengal assembly elections includes significant commitments for north Bengal's development:
- Establishment of an AIIMS and a specialized cancer hospital
- Creation of IIT and IIM campuses in the region
- Development of a sports university
- Construction of a highway linking the Sunderbans with Darjeeling
Modi also made specific outreach to the Matua and Namashudra communities, many of whom have faced voting rights issues following the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He urged them to reject what he called Trinamool's "jhooth ki factory (factory of lies)" and assured them of constitutional protections under the Citizenship Amendment Act.
"Matua and Namashudras should be aware of Trinamool's lies," Modi said. "Modi is with you and the Constitution is with you. CAA has given you constitutional rights; Trinamool cannot harm you."
Closing Appeal to Voters
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister promised that Trinamool would be held accountable for its actions over the past fifteen years. He made a personal appeal to voters, asking them to view every BJP candidate as an extension of himself.
"People of Bengal, who have elected Congress, Left Front and Trinamool to office, should now give a 'chance to Modi' to restore the rule of law," he urged, positioning himself as the catalyst for transformative change in the state.
The rally represents a significant escalation in the BJP's campaign rhetoric as elections approach, with Modi directly linking national security concerns to regional governance issues while outlining an ambitious development agenda for north Bengal.
