West Bengal’s election battle sharpened further as Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced a proposed “Durga Squad”, a dedicated force aimed at strengthening women’s safety if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms government in the state. Addressing a rally in Sainthia, Singh pitched the move as a direct response to rising concerns over crimes against women.
He said the proposed force would act swiftly and firmly against offenders, ensuring strict action in cases of atrocities. “Those who will trouble women will be strictly dealt with,” Singh stated, adding that a BJP government would enforce an uncompromising “rule of law” across West Bengal.
The election came down to a sharp binary
Singh framed the contest as a direct clash between two governance models, repeatedly drawing hard lines between safety and fear, development and decline, and democracy and “dadagiri”. He said West Bengal stood at a decisive turning point where voters would choose the state’s direction.
He positioned the BJP as a force of reset, promising what he called a “new beginning” driven by stronger administration and tighter control over governance.
Blistering attack on TMC’s 15-year rule
The Defence Minister launched a pointed and aggressive attack on the Trinamool Congress, arguing that 15 years in power should have delivered visible development on the ground.
He compared West Bengal with other states, claiming several had moved ahead far faster within five to eight years. Singh said Bengal’s progress had been slowed down by administrative inefficiency and governance lapses.
He further alleged an economic slide, claiming that West Bengal’s contribution to India’s economy had dropped from 10 per cent to 5 per cent under TMC rule. He linked this to what he described as weakening governance and a deteriorating law-and-order situation.
Women-focused pitch and electoral confidence
Targeting women voters, Singh reiterated the BJP’s commitment to implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for pushing women-centric reforms across the country.
He expressed confidence that the BJP was on course for a decisive mandate in West Bengal, even suggesting the possibility of a two-thirds majority in the Assembly.
Election timeline
West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The campaign has now crystallised into a high-stakes political contest centred on governance, security, and development, with both sides intensifying their final push for electoral advantage.