BARRACKPORE — On the high-stakes final day of campaigning for the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that his next visit to the state would be for the oath-taking ceremony of a BJP-led government.
Addressing a massive rally in Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas, the Prime Minister asserted that the political tide in Bengal has turned, predicting a result on May 4 that will mirror recent BJP gains in Odisha and Bihar.
The Final Countdown
The 2026 West Bengal election, conducted in two streamlined phases (April 23 and April 29), has seen an intense battle for the state’s 294 seats.
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Phase I (April 23): Covered 152 constituencies.
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Phase II (April 29): Will cover the remaining 142 seats.
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Counting Day: Scheduled for May 4, 2026.
Sharp Attack on “Syndicate Raj”
PM Modi directed a scathing critique at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that the party has moved from its slogan of ‘Maa, Maati, Maanush’ to a regime of corruption and fear:
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Economic Decline: Claimed that while historic jute mills in Barrackpore are closing, “crude bomb factories” are flourishing under the TMC’s watch.
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Political Violence: Accused the “syndicate” of employing goons to intimidate voters and stifle development.
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Institutional Attacks: Alleged the TMC has targeted constitutional bodies and even the armed forces with derogatory remarks instead of focusing on governance.
Bengal’s Role in India’s Growth
Invoking the historical legacy of Barrackpore—the cradle of the 1857 Uprising—the PM stated that the land of Mangal Pandey is now leading a “new revolution” for political change.
“West Bengal’s progress is essential for India’s overall development. After Odisha and Bihar, the lotus will bloom in Bengal too. My responsibility is to serve, secure, and save this state.” — PM Narendra Modi
Electoral Landscape
The Prime Minister’s confidence comes as the BJP looks to build on its 2021 performance, where it won 77 seats. This year, the party has fielded heavyweights like Suvendu Adhikari and Dilip Ghosh, while the TMC remains centered around Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
As the state enters a 48-hour “silence period” before the final phase of voting on Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s prediction has set the stage for what many consider the most consequential election result of the year.
