Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that India's Generation Z (Gen Z) has faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) development model. Addressing a public rally in Malda, West Bengal, Modi cited the BJP's recent victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as evidence of growing support for the party, particularly among young voters. He expressed confidence that voters in West Bengal would follow suit in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Modi stated that the BJP's "landslide win" in the BMC elections demonstrates that Gen Z trusts their vision for development. He argued that young people are looking for progress, jobs, and modern infrastructure, rather than what he described as "politics of appeasement". Modi linked this sentiment to the BJP's performance in the Mumbai civic elections, which he believes demonstrated the confidence of young voters in the party. He added that the BJP's success in Mumbai should be seen as a sign of things to come in West Bengal.
The Prime Minister launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Modi, speaking in Bengali, declared "Ei sarkar palano dorkaar" (This government needs to be changed). He accused the state government of corruption and alleged that it was blocking central welfare schemes from reaching the people. Modi also accused the TMC government of shielding illegal infiltrators and warned that strong action would be taken against infiltration if the BJP forms the government in the state. He alleged that the Trinamool government is looting public money and stopping development.
Modi reassured the Matua community and other persecuted refugees from neighboring countries, stating that they have nothing to fear. He reiterated that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) safeguards their rights and ensures their security. He said development, security, and good governance would be the BJP's core focus if elected in the state.
With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, Modi's speech heavily focused on projecting the BJP as a credible alternative to the ruling Trinamool Congress. He stated that the BJP would bring transparent governance, better infrastructure, and employment opportunities if voted to power. He appealed to voters, especially the youth, to assess governments based on performance and long-term vision rather than slogans. Modi said the BJP's governance model in states where it is in power had delivered results in terms of highways, digital infrastructure, housing, and welfare delivery. He also stated that Bengal was now surrounded by BJP-ruled states that had ensured good governance and development.
