Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India
In a high-energy political show of strength, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 5 officially launched the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections during a massive rally in Cooch Behar. The elections, scheduled for April 23 and 29, are being closely watched as a crucial political battle in the state.
Addressing a large and enthusiastic gathering, Modi mounted a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing it of presiding over “15 years of lawlessness and misgovernance” in the state. He cited incidents such as the mob siege involving judicial officers in Malda’s Kaliachak region as evidence of what he described as a breakdown of law and order under the current administration.
“This is not just an election, but a fight between trust and fear,” Modi declared, framing the political contest as a decisive moment for the people of West Bengal. He assured supporters that accountability would follow if the BJP is voted to power, promising a governance model focused on transparency and development.
The Prime Minister also urged voters to remain fearless and not succumb to any form of political intimidation. “People must come out and vote without fear. Change is certain if people stand united,” he emphasized, sending a strong message to both supporters and opponents.
Earlier in the day, Modi took to social media to express confidence in the party’s prospects. Sharing visuals from his journey to the rally, he wrote that the images reflected a “strong wave for BJP in West Bengal” and predicted that voters were ready to reject the ruling party. In a subsequent message, he added, “The atmosphere in Cooch Behar clearly shows that the call for change is echoing across all of West Bengal.”
During his speech, Modi also touched upon cultural and ideological narratives, defending films like The Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar, suggesting that such works highlight truths that resonate with the people. His remarks were aimed at reinforcing a broader political message centered on identity, history, and national sentiment.
The rally placed significant emphasis on key voter groups, particularly women, with the BJP aiming to expand its outreach among female voters through targeted messaging around safety, empowerment, and welfare. Additionally, North Bengal districts, including Cooch Behar, are being seen as strategically important battlegrounds where the party is looking to consolidate its position.
The massive turnout at the rally and the assertive tone of Modi’s speech indicate that the BJP is gearing up for an aggressive campaign in West Bengal, positioning the elections as a turning point in the state’s political trajectory. With both major parties intensifying their efforts, the coming weeks are expected to witness a fierce and closely contested electoral battle.
