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West Bengal assembly election: Modi alleges women suffered most during TMC rule
Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed women suffered the most under 15 years of TMC rule while campaigning ahead of the second and final phase of West Bengal elections. He outlined BJP promises for women and warned about infiltrators, addressing audiences in North 24 Parganas and Hooghly, with related statements from Amit Shah and Matua leaders.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight gender-focused electoral rhetoric and the contested status of Matua refugees, reflecting key fault lines in Bengal's political contest ahead of Phase II voting.
Timeline
6 Events
Mamata Bala Thakur responds to BJP Matua accusations
April 26, 2026
Mamata Bala Thakur, a TMC Rajya Sabha member and head of a Matua faction, criticised the BJP, saying the SIR exercise delisted Matua voters and that the number of delisted Matua voters was around 30,000 across several districts.
Tehatta rally: Shah promises fair prices for garlic growers
April 26, 2026
In Tehatta, Shah assured garlic growers that they would receive fair prices if the BJP is elected, noting drooping prices due to competition and imports, and pledging to stop such imports.
Amit Shah comments in Nadia on infiltrators; ‘biriyani’ remark
April 26, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the TMC of serving biryani to infiltrators and asserted that after May 5 every infiltrator would be identified and pushed back. He said central forces guard borders.
Modi addresses Dalit Matua community in Nadia district
April 26, 2026
Modi addressed the Dalit Matua community for the first time in this election, discussing refugee status and citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), and asserting that Matua Namasudras and other refugees would receive citizenship and official documents if BJP comes to power.
Modi rally at Thakurnagar; women-focused promises and anti-infiltration vow
April 26, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally at Thakurnagar, North 24 Parganas, stating that women suffered the most during the 15-year TMC rule and noting the record turnout in the first phase. He outlined BJP promises for women, including free rice, clean potable water, and ₹80,000 for solar power plants at homes, along with a ₹20,000 Mudra loan guarantee for women entrepreneurs. He cited BJP’s manifesto commitments: ₹36,000 annual assistance for all women and 33% reservation in government jobs. Modi also vowed to drive out infiltrators with a May 4 timeline if poll results are not favorable, before mentioning a subsequent rally at Haripal in Hooghly district.
Polling held for 152 seats across 16 districts; turnout and party projections
April 23, 2026
Polling was held for 152 assembly seats across 16 districts of West Bengal, recording a 92.35% voter turnout. In the 2021 election, the BJP won 59 of these seats. The BJP stated it would win 110 of the 152 seats in 2026, while the TMC claimed it would win at least 100 of the 152 seats.