Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his West Bengal campaign, placing women’s safety, governance failures, and welfare delivery at the centre of his messaging. He also stepped up his attack on the Trinamool Congress. At rallies in Dum Dum and Krishnanagar, he combined references to crime cases with policy announcements aimed at women voters.
RG Kar Case Drives Political Messaging
At Dum Dum, PM Modi appeared with Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar rape victim. The BJP has fielded her from Panihati. He said she worked hard to make her daughter a doctor but “lost her to TMC’s jungle raj”. He further accused the ruling party of failing to ensure women’s safety and of suppressing demands for justice.
The case involves a 31-year-old trainee doctor found dead at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024. A postmortem confirmed rape and murder. Authorities arrested civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, who later received a life sentence. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and continues to influence political debate in Bengal.
Sandeshkhali Returns to Campaign Focus
Meanwhile, Modi also referred to Sandeshkhali. The region saw allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in 2024. He stated that the BJP supported victims by offering them political representation. In this context, he cited Rekha Patra, who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Basirhat but did not win.
He alleged that women in Bengal are discouraged from speaking openly. According to him, they often face pressure to remain silent instead of seeking justice. At the same time, he underlined that women voters continue to play a decisive role in the state’s electoral outcomes.
Political Clash Between BJP and TMC
The BJP submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission. It accused the Trinamool Congress of voter intimidation. In contrast, the TMC rejected the allegation. It argued that central welfare schemes are being used for political advantage. It also claimed they are part of a broader attempt to reshape Bengal’s political map through delimitation.
Modi’s ‘10 Guarantees’ Target Women Voters
In Krishnanagar, PM Modi announced “10 guarantees” focused on women and children. First, he proposed ₹36,000 annually under the Matri Shakti Bhorosa Card. He also promised ₹50,000 for women completing graduation and ₹21,000 for expectant mothers.
In addition, he announced loans up to ₹20 lakh under the Mudra scheme to promote women entrepreneurship. This, he said, would help expand the number of “Lakhpati Didis”. On safety, he proposed women-only police stations on every block. He also committed to increasing women’s representation in the state police force.
On health, he announced free cervical cancer vaccination and sickle cell screening for girls. On housing, he said homes under PM Awas Yojana would be registered in women’s names. He also added ₹1.5 lakh assistance for construction support.
Broader Political Context
Furthermore, foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad said that “India reacts independently to acts of terrorism”. His remark added a wider governance perspective to the political conversation unfolding alongside the campaign.
As the election campaign intensifies, West Bengal’s political contest increasingly revolves around competing claims on women’s safety, welfare delivery, and governance accountability. Consequently, both the BJP and TMC are positioning women at the core of their electoral strategies.
