Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Alipurduar in West Bengal on May 29, 2025, a visit that carries significant strategic weight. This potential visit, confirmed by BJP leaders, is generating considerable buzz, especially given the political dynamics of the region and the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal next year.

According to reports, Modi is expected to address a public meeting at the Parade Ground in Alipurduar. Alipurduar BJP MP Manoj Tigga highlighted the importance of the visit, noting that it would be Modi's first public rally after "Operation Sindoor," the recent counter-terror operations carried out by India. Tigga also mentioned the possibility of an administrative meeting during the visit.

The location of Alipurduar itself contributes significantly to the visit's strategic importance. Situated near the Bhutan border and in proximity to China, Alipurduar holds a key position in terms of national security and regional diplomacy. Furthermore, the presence of a squadron of Dassault Rafale fighters at the Hasimara airbase in the region underscores its military significance. Some Bengal BJP leaders have indicated that Modi may participate in an official event at the Hasimara airbase.

Modi's visit also needs to be viewed in the context of West Bengal's political landscape. The BJP sees the rally as an opportunity to galvanize its grassroots-level workers and consolidate support in a region where it aims to strengthen its position. Alipurduar is a tribal-dominated Lok Sabha constituency where the BJP has previously enjoyed success. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won the seat with a significant margin. However, the party also needs to address internal challenges. Recently, John Barla, who won the Alipurduar seat for BJP in 2019, switched to Trinamool Congress (TMC) after being denied a ticket for the 2024 general elections.

The Prime Minister's visit could serve as a morale booster for BJP workers and send a strong message to both allies and opponents in the state. Moreover, it allows the Prime Minister to connect directly with the people of the region, address their concerns, and showcase the achievements of his government.

Ahead of his Alipurduar engagement, Modi is scheduled to visit Bikaner in Rajasthan on May 22, an area sharing a border with Pakistan. Besides Alipurduar, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Sikkim on May 29 to attend the golden jubilee celebration of the Himalayan kingdom's merger with India.

In summary, PM Modi's likely visit to Alipurduar on May 29 holds multifaceted significance. Strategically, it reinforces India's presence in a sensitive border region. Politically, it aims to energize the BJP cadre and prepare the ground for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal. Finally, it presents an opportunity for the Prime Minister to connect with the local populace and address issues of regional importance.