In a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the West Bengal government of crippling the state’s education system and demanded a mandate for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
Speaking at a rally in Durgapur, PM Modi alleged that the TMC regime is inflicting a “double blow of crime and corruption,” particularly in the education sector.
“From primary schools to higher education institutions, the entire system is being systematically destroyed. Thousands of qualified teachers are still unemployed due to corruption under the TMC,” he said.
Backdrop: Teacher Recruitment Scam Fallout
The Prime Minister’s remarks come as tensions rise over the fallout of the Calcutta High Court’s 2024 verdict, which nullified thousands of teacher appointments following revelations of a large-scale recruitment scam.
Earlier this month, teacher candidates under the Jogya Shikshak Shikshika Adhikar Mancha staged a protest march toward the state secretariat, Nabanna, demanding justice and employment.
Allegations of Widespread Misgovernance
PM Modi claimed the crisis has jeopardized the future of students and devastated many families.
“The present and future of Bengal’s youth have been pushed into darkness,” he said.
He also pointed to recent campus safety issues, including an incident at RG Kar Medical College involving alleged sexual harassment, saying the TMC government prioritized shielding the accused instead of supporting the victims.
“The government that talks about ‘Mother, Soil, Humanity’ has failed its daughters,” he declared.
Industrial Decline and Migration
Expanding his criticism beyond education, PM Modi lamented the decline of industry and job opportunities in West Bengal, once a major economic center.
“Cities like Durgapur, Bardhaman, and Asansol were once industrial powerhouses. Today, they’re shadows of their former selves, and the youth are being forced to migrate,” he said.
He urged the public to give the BJP a chance to form a “strong, honest, and development-focused” government in the 2026 elections.
Infrastructure Push
During his visit, PM Modi also launched and dedicated several infrastructure and energy projects, including:
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Foundation Stone for BPCL City Gas Distribution (CGD) in Bankura and Purulia (₹1,950 crore investment)
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Inauguration of the Kolkata section of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, part of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project
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Retrofitting of Flue Gas Desulphurization Systems in Durgapur and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Stations (₹1,457 crore)
The projects aim to improve energy infrastructure, reduce pollution, and generate employment in the region.
