Modi Targets Mamata Banerjee in Bengal Polls, Predicts Repeat of Nandigram Outcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday intensified his campaign in West Bengal, predicting a political shift in the state.
Addressing a rally in Haldia, he referred to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s 2021 defeat in Nandigram and said a similar outcome could repeat in Bhabanipur.
The remarks come as campaigning heats up ahead of the April 23–29 assembly polls.
Modi said Nandigram had “shown the path for change” and claimed that momentum was now building across the state.
The BJP has fielded Suvendu Adhikari against Banerjee in Bhabanipur, a constituency she has represented since 2011.
Banerjee, however, struck back at a rally in North 24 Parganas, alleging that nearly nine million voters were removed from electoral rolls during a revision exercise. She urged voters to back the Trinamool Congress.
The political exchange also extended to cultural issues, with both leaders referencing fish—an important symbol of Bengali identity.
Modi criticised the state government’s record on fisheries, alleging inefficiency and corruption. Banerjee countered by highlighting her government’s efforts to boost fish production and reduce dependence on imports.
The sharp rhetoric reflects the high stakes of the Bengal elections, with both sides attempting to shape narratives around governance, identity, and economic performance.
The contest in Bhabanipur is being closely watched as a key indicator of the broader electoral mood.
As campaigning intensifies, the clash between Modi and Banerjee underscores the deeply polarised political environment in West Bengal ahead of polling.
Our Final Thoughts
The Bengal election campaign is increasingly defined by sharp political messaging and symbolic issues that resonate with voters on both emotional and economic levels. Modi’s attempt to invoke Nandigram as a turning point reflects the BJP’s strategy to project momentum, while Mamata Banerjee’s counterattack focuses on governance and voter rights. The inclusion of cultural themes like fisheries highlights how local identity continues to shape electoral narratives. As the polls approach, the battle is likely to intensify further, with both leaders aiming to consolidate their core support while appealing to undecided voters. The outcome will not only determine the future of Bengal politics but also influence national political dynamics.