Malda, West Bengal | 17 January 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stepped up the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal by unveiling a new political slogan in Bengali, “Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar,” calling for a change of government in the state. The slogan was raised during his address after flagging off Vande Bharat sleeper trains, signalling an aggressive push by the BJP ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Using the local language to connect with the people, PM Modi directly targeted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He urged voters to replace the TMC administration with a BJP-led government, saying Bengal needs a new direction and better governance.

Addressing a public gathering in Malda, the Prime Minister accused the state government of blocking the Centre’s welfare schemes. He claimed that the TMC had kept Bengal’s poor away from the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, which offers free medical coverage to low-income families across the country.

PM Modi further alleged that the TMC government was misusing public funds and stopping central assistance from reaching the people of Bengal. With Assembly elections scheduled in the first half of the year, the BJP is aiming to end the TMC’s rule, which has been in power in the state since 

“Paltano Darkar, Chai BJP Sarkar”: PM Modi Targets TMC in Bengal Push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday raised the political pitch in West Bengal by giving a new slogan in Bengali — “Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar.” The slogan, meaning a call for change, was aimed directly at the ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking after flagging off Vande Bharat sleeper trains, PM Modi urged people to replace the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government with a BJP-led administration. Using the local language, he sought to connect with voters and present the BJP as an alternative for governance in the state.

Addressing a public meeting in Malda, the Prime Minister accused the state government of blocking central welfare schemes. He alleged that the TMC had denied the people of Bengal benefits of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme meant for poor and low-income families.

PM Modi further claimed that the TMC government was misusing public funds and stopping central assistance from reaching the public. With elections due in the first half of the year, the BJP is stepping up efforts to end the party’s long rule in Bengal since 2011.