Kolkata, April 24
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday intensified his party’s campaign in West Bengal, saying the first phase of polling had indicated a “wave of change” in the state. Addressing a rally in Panihati, in North 24 Parganas district, he said strong voter turnout reflected public support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and dissatisfaction with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
More than 90% of eligible voters took part in the first phase of polling on Thursday, according to official figures. Modi accused the TMC of undermining democratic institutions and alleged that its rule had led to fear, corruption and economic decline. He said voters had begun to “rebuild” democracy through their participation in the election.
He also highlighted candidates fielded by the BJP, including women who he said had experienced injustice, presenting them as symbols of the party’s campaign.
The prime minister further alleged that the ruling party had attempted to intimidate voters and political opponents, claims the TMC has previously denied.
Framing the election as a broader political and social turning point, Modi invoked the legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose and called for what he described as a new “democratic revolution” through voting.
He said a BJP government would focus on issues such as women’s safety, economic revival and employment, while promising action on alleged cases of violence and corruption.
The TMC, which has governed West Bengal for more than a decade, has rejected similar accusations in the past and defended its record on development and welfare.
Voting in the state is taking place in multiple phases, with the outcome expected to shape the political landscape in one of India’s most closely watched electoral contests.
