Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal. He accused the state administration of "misrule" just hours after the Mahayuti alliance secured a significant victory in Maharashtra's civic polls.
Modi's Social Media Post Targets TMC
"I look forward to being among the people of Malda and neighbouring areas during the BJP rally tomorrow," Modi stated in a post on X. He added, "Every passing day, some or the other instance of TMC misrule comes to the fore."
ED Raids Spark Political Firestorm
The Prime Minister's comments arrive amid a heated confrontation between the Enforcement Directorate and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This clash originates from raids conducted by the central agency on January 8.
ED officials targeted the Kolkata office of political consultancy firm I-PAC. They also searched the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain. During these operations, agency personnel reported facing obstruction and interference allegedly orchestrated by the Bengal Chief Minister.
This incident prompted the Enforcement Directorate to approach the Supreme Court for legal recourse. The situation has escalated tensions between the central government and the West Bengal administration.
PM's Two-Day Visit to Eastern States
Prime Minister Modi will embark on a two-day tour of West Bengal and Assam starting January 17. His itinerary includes several significant events across both states, which are preparing for elections later this year.
Historic Train Launch in Malda
On Saturday, January 17, around 12:45 PM, Modi will visit Malda in West Bengal. At the Malda Town railway station, he will flag off a landmark project: India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train.
This new train service will connect Howrah in West Bengal with Guwahati (Kamakhya) in Assam. The launch represents a major infrastructure development for railway connectivity in eastern India.
Development Projects Worth Crores
The following day, January 18, at approximately 3 PM, the Prime Minister will travel to Singur in West Bengal's Hooghly district. There he will inaugurate multiple development initiatives and lay foundation stones for new projects.
These various schemes carry a combined estimated value of around Rs 830 crore. Modi will also perform the bhoomi pujan for the Kaziranga elevated corridor project during his Assam visit.
Political Context and Timing
Both West Bengal and Assam face crucial assembly elections this year. Modi's visit and his pointed criticism of the TMC government occur against this political backdrop. The Prime Minister's remarks follow the Mahayuti alliance's strong performance in Maharashtra's recent civic polls, adding momentum to the BJP's campaign efforts.
The combination of infrastructure launches, development project inaugurations, and direct political messaging underscores the strategic importance of these eastern states in national politics. The ongoing ED investigation and subsequent legal proceedings continue to fuel the political rivalry between the central government and West Bengal's ruling party.
