Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visits to Bihar and West Bengal are marked by a blend of development initiatives and political maneuvers. The Bihar visit involves the unveiling and commencement of projects worth approximately 13,000 crore rupees, while West Bengal will see the inauguration of projects valued at 5,200 crore rupees, including three metro projects. Public addresses by the PM will accompany the inaugurations in both states.
These projects are crucial for advancing both states’ progress and upgrading their rail networks, benefitting the entire nation. Moreover, the timing of PM Modi’s visit holds significance, coinciding with Rahul Gandhi’s voter rights campaign in Bihar. The gathering of India alliance leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav from RJD and Dipankar Bhattacharya from CPI(ML), at Rahul Gandhi’s campaign, exemplifies their united front against the Nitish Kumar administration and the BJP. The TMC and Mamata Banerjee have also joined in solidarity with the India alliance, expressing opposition to particular policies. Mamata Banerjee has raised objections to the 130th constitutional amendment and has accused the government of discriminating against Bengalis. The political atmosphere lends further weight to PM Modi’s visit to Bengal.
This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Bengal this year. Previous visits saw criticism of TMC corruption and concern over Bangladeshi infiltration. PM Modi, on Thursday, highlighted development initiatives in West Bengal while targeting TMC, expressing that the public is growing increasingly discontented with the TMC and is looking to the BJP for progress. PM Modi is expected to address the public in Dum Dum and likely address TMC and Mamata Banerjee.
The TMC’s stronghold is evident in the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency, holding all seven assembly seats and dominating the municipalities within the North 24 Parganas district. PM Modi’s meeting aims to send a message to Mamata Banerjee and to bolster the BJP’s organizational efforts. Historically, the BJP had representation in this area. The location’s proximity to the Bangladesh border and the presence of refugees and alleged infiltrators make it a sensitive zone. The BJP has targeted the TMC regarding the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration.
On August 22, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Gaya, Bihar. Here, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects at Magadh University, including a bridge over the Ganga, a four-lane highway, and two Amrit Bharat trains. This visit is of particular political significance, representing PM Modi’s first visit since Gaya was renamed and his initial major event in the Magadh region before the upcoming elections.
The NDA’s performance in the Magadh region was weak in the 2020 Bihar assembly elections, securing only six of the 26 seats across the five districts. PM Modi’s visit to Gaya is interpreted as a response to Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit during the voter rights campaign. Political analysts believe this visit is focused on showcasing development and on energizing NDA workers and leaders after the election results.
