Barrackpore

Narendra Modi on Monday said that Vande Mataram, which inspired India’s freedom struggle, should now become the mantra for the reconstruction and development of West Bengal in the 21st century.

Addressing an election rally in Barrackpore ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, Modi assured people of progress, employment opportunities and improved security under a future Bharatiya Janata Party government.

He said the BJP would work to make Bengal prosperous, drawing inspiration from the imagery of “sujalam sufalam” and “shasyashyamala”, while ensuring happiness, development and justice.

The Prime Minister also said that under a BJP government, no citizen would face discrimination on the basis of caste or community. At the same time, he promised strict action against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Modi reiterated that members of the Matua community would receive citizenship benefits and accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of failing to respect voters.

Urging people to vote, he asked them to remember alleged atrocities under the TMC government and support the BJP to bring a “double-engine government” in the state.

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The first phase of polling on April 23 recorded a turnout of 92.35 per cent. The second and final phase will be held on April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4 alongside results for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.