Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a 37-minute speech in Singur, West Bengal, on Sunday. Many expected him to mention Tata Nano or the land-for-industry issue. He did not.
Shift in Focus
Instead, Modi connected Bengal's industrial future directly to law and order. He used the recent Bihar election verdict against 'maha jungle raj' as a reference point. The Prime Minister urged the crowd to end what he called 'Trinamool's 15-year jungle raj' in the state.
Singur holds deep political significance. This semi-urban area in Hooghly district, about 40 kilometers from Kolkata, was the epicenter of a major land agitation. That movement helped Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress topple the 35-year Left Front regime in 2011.
The local BJP leadership had been highlighting that agitation for days. They pointed to the Tata Nano factory's subsequent move to Gujarat. They built a narrative accusing the TMC administration of failing to bring industry back to Bengal.
Promises on Law, Order, and Industry
Modi made clear promises. "Industry and investment will come to Bengal only when there is a proper law-and-order situation," he stated. He pledged that a BJP government would end syndicate tax and control rioters in the state.
The Prime Minister outlined a plan for Bengal's industrial and agricultural revival. This came after he inaugurated projects worth Rs 830 crore in the state's port-led development sector. He stressed his party's focus would be on 'district-wise capacity building' if elected.
"The BJP government will boost the strengths of each district," Modi said. He explained that specific products from each district would be encouraged through a 'one-district-one-product' scheme.
Specific Plans for Hooghly and Jute
Modi announced a special policy on plastic. He said jute packaging would be encouraged immediately after government formation. This is significant for Hooghly district, the hub of Bengal's jute belt, which is home to nearly 60 jute mills.
Earlier, while laying the foundation stone for port-led infrastructure in Balagarh, Hooghly, Modi highlighted Bengal's potential. He said the state could emerge as a major manufacturing, trade, and logistics hub.
The 'extended port gate system' project, he explained, would reduce pressure on Kolkata Port. It would help Hooghly district become a warehousing and trading center. "This will attract hundreds of crores of rupees in investment," Modi claimed. "It will create job opportunities for thousands of youths. New markets will open for the farmers here." He also noted the possibility of Hooghly's agricultural products finding larger export markets.
Appeal to Women and Youth
Addressing a large number of women at the Singur rally, Modi said Bengal would follow the path shown by social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. He emphasized empowering women and youth as agents of change.
"It is essential to put an end to Trinamool's maha jungle raj and usher in BJP's sushasan [good governance]," Modi stated. "Women should remember that their children will not get good education or jobs so long as TMC is in the government."
Taking Credit for Cultural Achievements
The Prime Minister listed several cultural achievements for Bengal. He took credit for Durga Puja in Kolkata receiving UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage status. He mentioned Santiniketan getting a UNESCO world heritage tag. He also highlighted the granting of classical language status to Bengali and the installation of Subhas Chandra Bose's statue at India Gate.
"TMC was part of Sonia Gandhi's government, but they never made any effort for that," Modi asserted. "It became possible only when BJP formed the government in New Delhi."
Accusations Against TMC
Modi accused the Bengal government of following the footsteps of the erstwhile Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi. He claimed they prevented the benefits of central schemes from reaching the people.
"People in Bengal are determined to teach TMC a lesson this time," he said. He alleged the education system was in the grip of a mafia and referenced an education scam in Hooghly. "If voted to office, we will ensure they are behind bars," Modi promised.
The Prime Minister also accused Trinamool of facilitating infiltration by not providing land for fencing along the border with Bangladesh. He vowed a BJP government would ensure an end to infiltration.
"Even the smallest TMC leader thinks he is the guardian of the state," Modi remarked. "Your vote for BJP will ensure there is no more Sandeshkhali or theft of jobs."
The speech marked a clear strategic shift. The focus moved from past controversies like the Tata Nano factory to broader governance issues and future promises for Bengal's development.
