Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for visits to Bihar and West Bengal, with a dual focus on development and political strategy. In Bihar, he will oversee the inauguration and laying of foundation stones for projects valued at around 13,000 crore rupees. Simultaneously, West Bengal will witness the launch of projects worth 5,200 crore rupees, featuring three metro projects. The Prime Minister will also deliver public addresses in both states.
These initiatives are critical for the advancement of Bihar and West Bengal, as well as the expansion of their railway infrastructure, contributing to the national good. The timing of PM Modi’s visit is also of political significance, coinciding with Rahul Gandhi’s voter rights campaign in Bihar. The presence of India alliance leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav from RJD and Dipankar Bhattacharya from CPI(ML), at Rahul Gandhi’s campaign indicates a united front opposing the Nitish Kumar government and the BJP. The TMC and Mamata Banerjee have also expressed support for the India alliance, voicing their dissent against specific policies. Mamata Banerjee has raised objections to the 130th constitutional amendment and accused the government of discrimination against Bengalis. The ongoing political dynamics add further importance to PM Modi’s visit to Bengal.
This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Bengal this year. Earlier visits saw criticisms of TMC’s corruption and concerns surrounding Bangladeshi infiltration. PM Modi, on Thursday, used social media to emphasize development in West Bengal while targeting TMC, pointing out rising public dissatisfaction with the party and the public’s interest in the BJP’s initiatives. PM Modi is expected to address the public in Dum Dum, where he will likely address TMC and Mamata Banerjee directly.
The TMC maintains a strong grip on the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency, holding control over all seven assembly seats and all municipalities in the North 24 Parganas district. PM Modi’s meeting is aimed at sending a clear message to Mamata Banerjee while also bolstering the BJP’s organizational efforts. Historically, the BJP has had parliamentary representation in this area. The region’s proximity to the Bangladesh border and the presence of refugees and suspected infiltrators have created a sensitive situation. The BJP has often targeted the TMC over the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration.
On August 22, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Gaya, Bihar, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects at Magadh University. These projects encompass a bridge over the Ganga, a four-lane highway, and two Amrit Bharat trains. This visit carries particular political importance, being PM Modi’s first since the renaming of Gaya, as well as his first significant event in the Magadh region before the upcoming elections.
The NDA’s performance in the Magadh region during the 2020 Bihar assembly elections was subdued, securing only six of the 26 available seats across the five districts. PM Modi’s visit to Gaya is understood as a response to Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit as part of his voter rights campaign. Political experts believe this visit serves to highlight development efforts and to motivate NDA workers and leaders following the earlier election results.