Barrackpore

Narendra Modi on Monday said the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 are crucial not only for West Bengal but for the future of eastern India, asserting that India’s progress is incomplete without the rise of the East.

Addressing a Vijay Sankalp Sabha in Barrackpore, Modi said that in India’s prosperous past, three regions — Ang, Bang and Kalinga — were major pillars of strength, referring to Bihar, Bengal and Odisha. He said these states must develop for India to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation.

Projecting confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s chances, Modi said the party had already succeeded in Bihar and Odisha and would now make gains in Bengal as well.

Recalling history, he said Barrackpore had played a vital role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and was once again paving the way for political change in the state. He repeated the BJP’s slogan calling for change in Bengal.

The Prime Minister also referred to his 11-day spiritual observance before the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya in January 2024, saying he felt a similar devotion while campaigning among the people.

Calling the Barrackpore rally his final campaign event of the election, Modi said he hoped to return to West Bengal after May 4 for the swearing-in ceremony of a BJP government.

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The second and final phase of polling in West Bengal will be held on April 29. Results will be declared on May 4 along with those of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.