Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) during a massive rally at the historic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, declaring that the upcoming West Bengal Assembly election is not merely about changing a government but about “saving the soul of Bengal.”

Addressing thousands of supporters, the Prime Minister said the growing public turnout at the rally reflected a desire for change in the state.

“Friends, the intellectual people of Bengal have now resolved to stand against this anarchic government. The sea of people you see here today reflects Bengal’s awakened consciousness,” Modi said.

With the election schedule for West Bengal expected to be announced soon, the rally marked a major political show of strength by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it prepares to challenge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government in the 2026 Assembly polls.

The rally also concluded the BJP’s statewide “Parivartan Yatra,” a campaign that covered hundreds of Assembly constituencies across the state to build momentum ahead of the elections.

‘Bengal wants change’

In his speech, Modi repeatedly invoked the idea of “parivartan” (change), claiming that people across Bengal were eager for a political shift.

“From the hills to the Sundarbans, there is only one discussion – ‘We want change.’ The spirit of Bengal never surrenders. The youth of Bengal, the farmers of Bengal, and the women of Bengal never surrender,” the Prime Minister said.

“Today, on this historic Brigade Ground, I can see that confidence. Remember, this fight is not only to change a government but to save the soul of Bengal. This fight is for freedom from cut money; this fight is for freedom from fear,” he added.

Modi also claimed that the momentum for change was unstoppable. “Change in Bengal is now written on the walls and etched in the hearts of Bengal’s people as well. The end of this ruthless government is inevitable,” he said.

Attack on TMC government

During his address, the Prime Minister accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of creating an atmosphere of lawlessness and corruption in the state.

Referring to controversies that have rocked the state in recent months, Modi alleged that the ruling party was protecting criminals and undermining democratic institutions.

“TMC has created a system where corruption, fear and violence thrive. But the people of Bengal have now decided that enough is enough,” he said.

He also claimed that attempts had been made to disrupt the rally. “Even today, the ruthless government pulled out all its weapons to stop this gathering.

Bridges were closed, vehicles stopped, traffic jammed and BJP flags uprooted. But nothing could stop the people from coming here,” Modi told the crowd.

Development pitch ahead of polls

Alongside his political attack, the Prime Minister also highlighted development initiatives in the state, announcing projects worth more than ₹18,000 crore related to road, rail, port and shipping infrastructure.

“Today, from the land of Kolkata, a new chapter in the development of West Bengal and eastern India is being written,” Modi said, adding that the projects would improve connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.

The projects include national highway construction, railway upgrades and modernisation of port infrastructure in the state.

Political tensions ahead of rally

The high-profile rally took place amid rising political tensions in Kolkata. Earlier in the day, clashes were reported between BJP and TMC supporters in parts of the city ahead of the Prime Minister’s programme, highlighting the charged political atmosphere in the state.

Security was also tightened around the rally venue, with thousands of police personnel deployed and traffic restrictions imposed across several roads in central Kolkata to manage the large crowd expected at the event.

BJP’s election push

The Brigade rally is seen as a key moment in the BJP’s campaign for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Party leaders believe the event signals the beginning of an aggressive push to challenge the TMC government in the state.

“Whenever Bengal shows the country the way, the voice from this Brigade Ground echoes across the nation,” Modi said, invoking the historical significance of the venue.

As the election battle heats up, the rally is expected to set the tone for an intense political contest between the BJP and the ruling TMC in the weeks ahead.