On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a key meeting with BJP Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs from West Bengal as part of his ongoing series of consultations with party members. The discussion centered on the development of Bengal as crucial to the broader goal of a developed India.
During the meeting, PM Modi addressed the growing influence of the BJP in West Bengal, highlighting the shift from the party’s modest two-seat representation in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to 18 seats in 2019, and a significant win in over 70 assembly constituencies. Despite this progress, the party faced a setback in the 2024 elections, where its seats in the Lok Sabha reduced from 18 to 12.
PM Modi assured the MPs that the welfare of Bengal’s people was a priority for his government. He emphasized that the BJP must gain the trust of Bengal’s populace to ensure their development, welfare, and prosperity. Modi expressed confidence that the day would come when the BJP would come to power in Bengal, citing the party’s growing acceptance among the state’s residents.
The meeting also touched upon the ongoing political friction between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress. The prime minister reassured the MPs that any necessary assistance from the Centre would be provided on a priority basis.
In related developments, tensions between the Centre and Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were evident during a recent Niti Aayog meeting. Banerjee abruptly left the meeting, accusing the Centre of restricting her opportunity to speak. The government countered, stating that she was given a chance to address the gathering and denied any attempts to silence her.