Paromita Das
New Delhi, 19th July: Bharat’s Rohingya narrative, once a mere ripple in regional discourse, has become a strategic preoccupation for many politicians—used to signal minority outreach or deflect from contentious governance issues. In recent years, granting refuge or voting rights to non-Bharatiya Rohingyas has morphed into a potent political lever, particularly in states like West Bengal. The appeasement began subtly—with politicians invoking humanitarian sympathy to bolster their secular credentials—but soon evolved into a tool for electoral calculus, capturing media headlines and rallying minority votes. As the refugee issue deepens, it reveals a dual-edged dynamic: genuine compassion meets political expediency.
“Lies, Loot, Lawlessness” – Modi’s Stark Rebuke
In a charged rally at Durgapur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering critique of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government. He branded their administration as marked by “lies, loot and lawlessness”, urging Bengal’s electorate to chart a new course. Addressing a robust wave of BJP supporters, Modi argued that public disillusionment with the TMC is palpable—and the BJP is emerging as the beacon of hope.
Economic Exodus – Youth Forced to Flee
Modi spotlighted a deeply unsettling trend: mass youth migration. “Our youth, even for menial jobs, must leave Bengal,” he lamented. The crowd fell silent as he held up industrial shutdowns and rising unemployment as grim evidence of failed policies. Rather than attracting investment, the state was seeing industries pack up and leave—a situation Modi warned must change if Bengal is to reclaim its pride.
Advancing Infrastructure: More Than Rhetoric
Contrasting his critique with action, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the groundwork for multiple infrastructure projects worth over ₹5,400 crore across sectors:
- City Gas Distribution (CGD): A ₹1,950 crore initiative by BPCL to bring PNG and CNG facilities to Bankura and Purulia households and industries.
- Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Pipeline: A 132-km stretch from Durgapur to Kolkata, crossing key districts, reinforcing Bengal’s clean energy backbone.
- Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) Units: ₹1,457 crore systems unveiled at Durgapur and Raghunathpur thermal power plants, cementing the center’s green energy focus.
These announcements weren’t merely developmental—they formed the core of Modi’s message: BJP delivers where TMC stalls.
Striking Political Chords – “Remove TMC, Save Bengal”
Pandemic politics? Not here. Modi’s words— “Remove TMC, Save Bengal”—resonated with precision. What appeared like a governance rally doubled as a strategic election speech. By casting Mamata as the impediment to progress and positioning the BJP as a reform avatar, Modi effectively rewrote the opposition narrative. It was a signal to voters that real change requires political change.
Development Needs Delivery
It’s rare to see infrastructure and politics interwoven so tightly. Yet, in this case it’s needed—mere slogans can’t revive industries or stem youth exodus. Bengal deserves governance that matches its ambition. Modi’s development-heavy agenda, backed by tangible investments, presents a robust alternative to empty declarations.
The Crossroads Ahead
West Bengal now stands at a pivotal juncture. Will it continue down a path marred by Malay misgovernance, or pivot toward a future defined by meaningful governance and industrial resurgence? Modi’s Durgapur rally wasn’t just a campaign stop—it was a blueprint for change. As election season approaches, Bengal’s electorate must decide: cling to presumed certainties, or embrace a future powered by action instead of promises.
