WestBengalElections – Modi Seeks Mandate Ahead of Assembly Polls
WestBengalElections – With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching in April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out directly to voters, seeking their support and outlining his vision for the state’s future.
Direct Appeal to the Electorate
In a letter addressed to the people of West Bengal on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to grant him an opportunity to serve the state. He called on voters to keep the interests of future generations in mind when they head to the polls, describing the election as a defining moment for Bengal’s progress.
Opening his message with “Jai Maa Kali,” the Prime Minister adopted a tone that reflected the cultural ethos of the region. The greeting marked a departure from earlier political messaging that often invoked other religious symbols. Throughout the letter, he refrained from naming the ruling party or Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, but drew attention to what he described as shortcomings in governance and public administration.
Focus on Development and Governance
Modi’s letter underscored concerns about infrastructure, education, employment opportunities, and overall economic growth in the state. He stated that many residents had faced hardship and limited access to basic services, adding that he was committed to transforming West Bengal into a prosperous and self-reliant region.
He referred to the proposed “Vikshit Bangla” initiative, presenting it as a roadmap for economic revival and long-term development. The Prime Minister also reiterated the central government’s intention to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, saying it would provide relief and legal recognition to refugees who had fled religious persecution.
At the same time, he raised concerns about illegal infiltration and alleged misuse of central funds allocated to state-run schemes. According to the Prime Minister, transparent governance and accountability would be central to any future administration supported by his party.
Citing Welfare Achievements
Highlighting the Union government’s record over the past 11 years, Modi listed several welfare initiatives aimed at farmers, women, youth, and small entrepreneurs. He pointed to the construction of approximately 85 lakh toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as part of efforts to improve sanitation. Financial support through the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, he noted, had reached more than 52 lakh farmers in West Bengal.
The Prime Minister also cited loans worth Rs 2.82 lakh crore extended to small traders and business owners, along with more than one crore LPG connections provided under the Ujjwala Yojana. Additionally, he referenced 56 lakh beneficiaries enrolled under the Atal Pension Yojana, presenting these measures as examples of targeted social welfare programs.
According to Modi, similar initiatives could accelerate development in West Bengal if fully implemented without administrative obstacles. He emphasized that economic opportunity within the state could reduce the need for young people to migrate elsewhere in search of employment.
Historical Legacy and Political Context
Reflecting on West Bengal’s past, the Prime Minister described the state as once being at the forefront of industrial growth and intellectual leadership in India. He invoked figures such as Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo to highlight Bengal’s historic contributions to the nation’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Modi expressed concern that, in his view, decades of political mismanagement had slowed the state’s progress. He argued that unemployment and concerns over women’s safety were issues that required urgent attention. While avoiding direct references to the Trinamool Congress government, he suggested that a change in leadership could usher in a new phase of development.
In closing, the Prime Minister recalled the role of Syama Prasad Mookerjee in shaping the state’s post-independence trajectory and appealed to voters to participate actively in determining West Bengal’s future. He maintained that the direction of the state ultimately rests in the hands of its electorate and urged citizens to make their choice with long-term growth and stability in mind.