Malda, West Bengal, January 18, 2026: In a high-voltage rally in Malda on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised the West Bengal government, accusing it of failing to address illegal immigration and alleging that such infiltration had altered the state’s demography, contributed to communal tensions, and even triggered riots. Modi’s remarks mark a significant escalation in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign rhetoric in the run-up to the assembly elections, positioning the issue of “infiltration” and illegal immigration as one of the party’s central electoral planks.

Addressing a crowd in Malda, a district with a significant Muslim population, Modi promised “big action” against infiltrators if the BJP were to come to power in Bengal. He highlighted the perceived demographic changes in parts of the state, suggesting that rising populations of illegal immigrants had led to language differences in certain areas and were directly linked to a spike in communal disturbances. Citing Malda and Murshidabad as examples, Modi said, “Infiltration is a big challenge for Bengal… Demography is losing its balance. Differences can be noticed in the language in some areas. With the rise in the population of infiltrators, there has been an increase in riots in areas such as Malda and Murshidabad.”

The Prime Minister’s rally in Malda came less than a month after his previous visit to the state, reinforcing the BJP’s election strategy in Bengal as it seeks to consolidate votes ahead of the high-stakes assembly polls. In addition to his political address, Modi flagged off the first set of Vande Bharat sleeper trains between Howrah and Guwahati and inaugurated rail and road infrastructure projects worth ₹3,250 crore. The introduction of the fully air-conditioned sleeper train is expected to reduce travel time between Howrah and Guwahati by approximately two and a half hours, offering a significant boost to travel efficiency in the region.

Sharpening his attack on the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), Modi accused the state government of deliberately assisting illegal immigrants for “vote bank politics,” arguing that such actions undermined the interests of local citizens, compromised security, and deprived the state’s population of economic opportunities. “For years now, TMC leaders and the syndicates have engaged in a game to help the illegal immigrants settle and make them voters of the country. The illegal immigrants snatch the rights of the poor people, employment opportunities, and torture women and encourage terrorism and other criminal activities,” he said.

The BJP has strategically centred its Bengal campaign around the twin themes of infiltration and illegal immigration, particularly against the backdrop of the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The TMC has dismissed these claims as politically motivated, accusing the BJP of attempting to build a false narrative while disenfranchising marginalised voters ahead of the elections.

Modi further compared India with other nations, pointing out that even developed and wealthy countries actively identify and remove illegal immigrants. “Even developed and rich countries are flushing out infiltrators from their country. It is important for Bengal too to flush out the illegal immigrants. But is it possible till the TMC government is there? Will they ever do it?” he questioned, positioning the BJP as the party that could restore law, order, and demographic stability in the state.

In his speech, Modi also sought to reassure the politically influential Matua community, a quasi-religious sect comprising largely Dalits who migrated to India from erstwhile East Pakistan around the time of Partition and in the decades following. Members of the Matua community are included in the Scheduled Caste (SC) category and influence electoral outcomes in approximately 74 of Bengal’s 294 assembly constituencies. Modi emphasized that those who had sought refuge in India to escape persecution had nothing to fear under his leadership. “People who have taken refuge in India to save themselves from persecution, the Matua community, have no reason to fear. The Constitution has given them rights. Modi has given the refugees full protection through CAA,” he said, referencing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which aims to provide citizenship to persecuted Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Modi’s engagement with the Matua community is viewed as a strategic move by the BJP, given the community’s electoral significance. Analysts note that the Matua voters have historically played a decisive role in shaping outcomes in numerous assembly constituencies, and assurances from the Prime Minister on protection and rights could consolidate support among this bloc.

Alongside his comments on infiltration and the Matua community, Modi criticised the TMC government for allegedly obstructing welfare schemes meant for the poor. He questioned whether Bengal should continue receiving benefits from central government programmes such as free electricity and highlighted instances where such benefits had reportedly not reached intended beneficiaries due to administrative obstruction. “The real welfare of the people of Bengal will happen only when there is no obstructive TMC government here, but a pro-people BJP government instead,” Modi asserted.

The Prime Minister also addressed issues of corruption and women’s safety, arguing that a BJP-led government was necessary to restore governance and security in the state. He accused the TMC of engaging in “thuggery” and intimidating poor citizens, asserting that such practices would come to an end with a change in government. Modi concluded his speech by pointing out Bengal’s political geography, noting that the state is surrounded on all sides by BJP-ruled governments and asserting that it was now ready for a shift toward “good governance.” “Bengal is surrounded on all sides by BJP governments that stand for good governance. Now it is time for good governance in Bengal too,” he said.

The TMC, however, rejected Modi’s allegations outright. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh told reporters that the Prime Minister’s statements were “vague and slogan-driven” and insisted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would be returned to power. “No matter what they say about change, Mamata Banerjee will come back to power. His call for poriborton (change) will come to a halt as the TMC will come back to power,” Ghosh said, underscoring the party’s confidence in retaining voter support.

Earlier on Saturday, in addition to his rally in Malda, Modi also virtually flagged off four Amrit Bharat Express trainsconnecting New Jalpaiguri with Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, and Alipurduar with SMVT Bengaluru and Mumbai (Panvel). These new rail links are part of a broader push by the central government to enhance connectivity between eastern, northern, and southern India, which the Prime Minister has highlighted as evidence of development under the BJP’s governance.

Observers note that Modi’s strategy in Bengal combines development-focused achievements, such as the Vande Bharat sleeper trains and infrastructure projects, with a polarising political narrative on illegal immigration and security. By raising the issue of infiltration in districts with significant minority populations while reassuring the Matua community, the BJP is aiming to appeal simultaneously to voters concerned about demographic and security issues and those seeking protection of constitutional rights.

Political analysts believe that the PM’s repeated focus on infiltration and illegal immigration in Bengal signals that the BJP intends to keep the narrative of “national security and demographic protection” central to its campaign messaging. This approach may also serve to amplify communal tensions in select areas while energising core party supporters. At the same time, the party seeks to demonstrate governance credentials by showcasing railway projects, connectivity improvements, and infrastructure spending.

The TMC, for its part, has framed the BJP’s claims as an attempt to polarise voters and has emphasised its commitment to protecting marginalised communities, highlighting previous initiatives aimed at improving social welfare and electoral participation. The battle over these narratives is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the assembly elections approach, with both parties seeking to consolidate their respective support bases.

In summary, PM Modi’s visit to Malda combined electoral rhetoric, governance initiatives, and community outreachin a carefully choreographed campaign effort. By attacking the TMC on infiltration, reassuring the Matua community regarding the CAA, and showcasing developmental projects, Modi sought to appeal to multiple voter segments while framing the upcoming assembly elections as a contest between law-and-order, good governance, and obstructionist politics. The TMC has rejected these allegations, setting the stage for an intense political showdown in West Bengal over the coming months as voters weigh the competing narratives of security, development, and social protection.

The Prime Minister’s comments and actions reflect the BJP’s broader strategy in the state: to consolidate support among key demographic groups, emphasise governance achievements, and position the party as the alternative to what it portrays as a lawless and ineffective TMC government. As the assembly elections draw closer, the narrative of infiltration, welfare obstruction, and community protection is expected to dominate political discourse across Bengal, influencing campaigning, media coverage, and voter engagement.