Trinamool's toll will end in Bengal and BJP's toll will start: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Trinamool Congress in his first rally in Bengal after failing to pass the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the ruling party in West Bengal is against empowering women.

Addressing a massive public meeting in the Bishnupur-Bankura area on Sunday, Mr. Modi said that the present crowd is an "expression of anger against the oppressive government". He said, "The crowd is increasing with each passing day. People are waiting for hours to attend this rally. This is an expression of people's anger." Targeting Trinamool, the Prime Minister claimed that the BJP is committed to increasing women's participation during its tenure. He alleged that "we want women's participation in the country's development. We want women and daughters to come into politics. The BJP wanted 33% reservation for women, but Trinamool did not want it, because women are challenging their 'Maha Jungle Raj'."

Mr. Modi also accused the ruling party of betraying women and promoting divisive policies. He said, "This is the same Trinamool that allows infiltrators to enter the country and wants reservation based on religion. They are listening to infiltrators, not to the Scheduled Caste society." He further said that the observations of the Calcutta High Court are also being ignored. The Prime Minister also raised the issue of the recently failed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to provide 33% reservation to women in Parliament along with the new delimitation exercise.

The bill failed to get the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha on April 17, marking the first time in 12 attempts that a constitutional amendment proposed by the BJP-led government could not be passed. The legislation had sparked a bitter debate, with opposition parties accusing the center of linking women's reservation to the contentious delimitation process, which involves redefining electoral constituencies based on the 2011 census, potentially increasing the Lok Sabha membership from 543 to around 850.

Mr. Modi said, "The women's reservation bill should have been passed, but Trinamool did not want it. They do not want the women of the state to become self-sufficient. They do not want women's participation in politics to increase. They should be punished for this." Referring to the recent incident in Suri where President Droupadi Murmu was disrespected, the Prime Minister said, "You saw how Trinamool insulted her when she came here. This is not just an insult to the country or the Constitution, but also to women, especially tribal women."

He said, "You will be surprised to know that Trinamool wanted Droupadi Murmu to lose the presidential election, just like Jawaharlal Nehru opposed B.R. Ambedkar." Announcing several welfare measures if the BJP comes to power in the state, Mr. Modi said, "The BJP government in Bengal will provide free rations and Rs 1.5 lakh for pucca houses under the PM Awas Yojana. Women will get free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh."

He also announced the 'Matru Shakti Bhrosa Card', under which women will get Rs 36,000 annually. He further said, "Pregnant women will get Rs 21,000, followed by Rs 5,000 after childbirth, and Rs 50,000 for education." On infrastructure concerns, Mr. Modi accused Trinamool's 'syndicate raj' of hindering piped water supply. He said, "The BJP's double-engine government will ensure piped water reaches every household."

Issuing a stern warning, the Prime Minister said, "I am giving a last chance to Trinamool goons - surrender at police stations before April 29, or you will not be spared." Comparing the style of governance, Mr. Modi said, "Trinamool's 'Bhai Kaal' will end, and the BJP's 'Bhrosa Kaal' will begin." Criticizing the state government, the Prime Minister alleged, "15 years of corruption have troubled every family in West Bengal. Trinamool's jungle raj has left tribal districts backward. Roads, water, schools - everything is in a bad state. Even tribals do not have control over their land, as the syndicate controls everything."

He promised that the BJP government would end illegal mining, syndicate control, and corruption. He said, "The BJP will stop this loot and bring water to your homes. We will uproot this syndicate system." Expressing concern over women's safety, the Prime Minister accused Trinamool of crushing security and cited instances of violence and crimes against women in the state.

Appealing for a change in the election, he asked voters to defeat Trinamool in every booth. He said, "You have elected BJP MPs from here. Now, it is equally important to elect BJP MLAs. You have made me the Prime Minister, now make a BJP Chief Minister here."

Exuding confidence over the election results, Mr. Modi said, "From my political experience, I can say that after May 4, there will be a BJP Chief Minister in West Bengal. If both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister are from the BJP, the development of Purulia will happen at double the speed - CM and PM together, development will happen day and night."

Mentioning welfare promises, Mr. Modi clarified that under the BJP's manifesto, women will get Rs 36,000 annually, Rs 21,000 during pregnancy, and Rs 50,000 for education, while efforts will also be made to ensure higher income for 75 lakh women.

He also targeted Trinamool for opposing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and appealed to voters to "punish the party for this crime in this election".