PM Modi's First Bengal Rally After BJP Win: "State Has Broken Free From Its Shackles"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said West Bengal is witnessing a "new freshness" and moving towards a brighter future, as he addressed a public gathering during the 'Paschimbanga Divas' celebrations in Hooghly district. The visit marked his first public rally in the state since the BJP formed its first-ever government in West Bengal last month, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress.

'A New Freshness In Bengal's Air'

Addressing a large gathering in Tarakeswar, known for the revered Taraknath Temple, PM Modi said the political change in the state had ushered in a new sense of optimism among people.

"Baba Taraknath and this sacred land of Bengal, this historic date of West Bengal Day, and the presence of all of you in such large numbers... Today, after the elections and the swearing-in, I have the good fortune for the first time to come among you. There is now a new freshness in the air of Bengal. A new fragrance is wafting from every particle here. It feels as if Bengal has now broken free from its shackles, as if the return of Bengal's glory has begun," PM Modi said.

Referring to the visible enthusiasm among residents, the Prime Minister said the BJP government's arrival had reinforced public confidence in the state's future.

"Today's this program... this is a witness, the inauguration of these projects is a testament that our Bengal has set to work on building its new future. The glow on the faces of Bengal's people... the sentiment of joy and trust in village after village... I have come to share in this joy of yours. Your one vote, one election... how much it can change, this is clearly visible in Bengal," he added.

BJP's Historic Mandate And Development Push

The BJP secured 207 of the 294 Assembly seats in the recent elections, while the Trinamool Congress won 80 seats, marking the party's most significant breakthrough in a state long dominated by the Congress, Left parties and later the TMC.

Highlighting the impact of the electoral mandate, PM Modi said the results demonstrated how democratic participation can drive transformative change.

"It is clearly visible in Bengal how much change a single vote can bring. On this occasion, I extend my heartiest congratulations to the people of Bengal and all my fellow countrymen on West Bengal Day... This year, West Bengal Day carries even greater significance, as the dreams envisioned for Bengal's bright future after independence by its great personalities are, in a way, being realized today. May this historic occasion inspire West Bengal's development and help us script a new and glorious history," he said.

During the event, the Prime Minister released the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in West Bengal, and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects.

Remembering Bengal's Historical Struggles

Speaking about Bengal's role in India's history, PM Modi recalled the sacrifices made by the state during the freedom movement and the turbulent years leading up to Partition.

"In the era of slavery, our Bengal gave so many sacrifices, bore so many renunciations. In 1946, the violence that occurred in Kolkata resulted in many innocent Bengalis fell victim to it. Bengal endured bloodshed, lost its own people, saw its motherland being torn apart, but Bengal did not allow its identity and sense of self to be destroyed. The result of this was that when there was a conspiracy to separate the entire Bengal from India, by creating a separate West Bengal, those intentions were not allowed to succeed... On the occasion of West Bengal Day, we are not just remembering a date, but recalling the entire history," the Prime Minister said.

Observed annually on June 20, Paschimbanga Divas commemorates the legislative decision taken in 1947 that led to the creation of West Bengal, preserving the region's place within India during the Partition era.

(With inputs from ANI)