PM MODI CALLS FOR END TO ‘MAHA JUNGLERAJ’ IN BENGAL

Addressing virtual rally, Prime Minister Modi attacks Trinamool Congress on infiltration, governance, and stalled development.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

Prime Minister addresses rally virtually after fog grounds helicopter; launches sharp attack on Trinamool Congress over infiltration and governance issues

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, calling for an end to what he termed "maha-jungleraj" in the state, even as adverse weather conditions forced him to address a rally virtually from Kolkata airport instead of in person.

The Prime Minister's helicopter was unable to land at Taherpur in Nadia district due to dense fog, forcing the aircraft to circle the helipad before returning to Kolkata. Modi subsequently addressed thousands of gathered supporters via telephone in a 15-minute speech that set the tone for the BJP's campaign ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Drawing parallels with Bihar's recent electoral outcome, Modi said: "Last month the people of Bihar gave a huge mandate to the NDA. After the victory in Bihar, I had said that Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal. Bihar had rejected jungle-raj for 20 years...now people of West Bengal need freedom from the maha-jungleraj prevailing here."

The Prime Minister's remarks on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's victory in Bihar's November assembly polls suggested a similar political transformation awaited West Bengal. He repeatedly invoked the slogan "Bachte Chai, BJP Tai" (Need BJP to survive), which the party has adopted for next year's State elections.