Prime Minister Modi initiated the 2026 election campaign in Durgapur with the inauguration of projects worth ₹5400 crore. The BJP hailed it as the bugle call for development, while the TMC countered with the slogan, "Khela Hobe" (Game On). The political battle in Bengal is set to intensify with Mamata's rally on the upcoming July 21st.
Mamata Banerjee or PM Modi: The politics of West Bengal has once again heated up. With the 2026 assembly elections on the horizon, Durgapur has become the center of strategic preparation for the two poles of power — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi set foot on the soil of Durgapur on Friday after nearly six years and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth over ₹5400 crore, along with delivering political messages through a mega public meeting.
A Resolve for Development from Durgapur: A Gift of ₹5400 Crore
At the public meeting held at the Nehru Stadium, Prime Minister Modi dedicated several schemes related to the energy, environment, transport, and railway sectors to the public. He inaugurated the Bharat Petroleum's City Gas Project, the 132 km long Durgapur-Kolkata section, the Flue Gas Desulfurization System, and the doubling project of the 36 km long Purulia-Kotshila rail line. The most significant aspect of these projects is that they will not only strengthen the infrastructure in eastern India but also create new employment opportunities for millions of people. PM Modi also dedicated to the nation the pollution control systems installed under the Damodar Valley Corporation, which is considered a major step towards improving air quality.
'Toss' on the Political Pitch: BJP Displayed Strength
This BJP rally is being seen as the first major political event in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections. State BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya described it as 'the beginning of a new era for the BJP in Bengal.' The party claims that over two lakh people gathered at this rally, which is being called a 'sea of public support.' Shamik Bhattacharya said, 'Bengal now needs change. This visit by PM Modi will give a new direction to the state's development. The double-engine government will change Bengal's destiny.'
TMC's Sharp Attack: 'Just Stay Here Until 2026, PM!'
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress was not far behind. TMC's youth wing president and MP, Saayoni Ghosh, said, 'The Prime Minister is coming repeatedly, taxpayers' money is being wasted. It seems he has to stay here now. But we are on the field — Khela Hobe!' She also said that the Prime Minister should speak on real issues like unemployment, education, and women's safety, instead of Hindu-Muslim, cremation ground-graveyard issues. Referring to the 2021 elections, Saayoni Ghosh said, 'The BJP claimed to cross 200, but what was the result? Now, petrol and diesel have crossed 200.'
July 21st vs. July 19th: Two Rallies, Two Perspectives
Three days after Prime Minister Modi's rally, the TMC's annual Martyr's Day rally will be held in Kolkata. Political analysts believe that these two rallies will determine the political direction of the state. On one hand, the BJP is giving the slogan of 'development' and 'double engine,' while on the other hand, the TMC is emphasizing 'Bengali identity' and 'welfare schemes.' TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has also indicated that the party is going to give a big political message from the July 21st rally. He said, 'Bengal knows its leader. No matter how much outsiders try, they cannot understand the soul of Bengal.'
Durgapur: A Strategic Center for BJP
The BJP wants to revive Durgapur as an industrial center. It is being called the 'Ruhr region' of India, and the PM's announcements are a step in that direction. The 132 km gas pipeline, new road overbridges, and railway doubling projects are expected to give a new foundation to the industrial future of the area.
Beginning of the Political Contest
The 2026 elections are still far away, but both parties' moves have accelerated on the chessboard laid for power in Bengal. The BJP has started its campaign from Durgapur, while the TMC will retaliate from Kolkata. The question is — will the 'double engine' give a new direction to Bengal, or will the slogan of 'Khela Hobe' come to fruition again? Electoral Battle in Bengal: PM Modi Roars from Durgapur, TMC Says - 'Khela Hobe'
