Politics
05 Apr, 2026
Malda gherao reflects TMC's maha jungleraj': Modi casts Bengal polls as fear vs BJP trust
Business To Business, Kolkata, 05 April 2026: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday intensified the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal, using the recent incident in Malda—where judicial officers were allegedly gheraoed—as a central issue to target the ruling All India Trinamool Congress government.
Addressing his first rally in Cooch Behar after the announcement of the 2026 Assembly poll schedule, Modi accused the state government of fostering a “maha jungleraj” (extreme lawlessness). He framed the upcoming elections as a direct contest between:
- “Bhay” (fear) — which he alleged is being spread under the current regime
- “Bharosa” (trust) — which he positioned the BJP as offering
Key campaign points raised by Modi:
- Law and order concerns: Citing the Malda incident, he questioned the safety of judicial institutions and governance.
- Women’s safety: Raised as a major concern under the current administration.
- Infiltration issues: Alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
- Demographic changes: Suggested shifts impacting the state’s social fabric.
Modi argued that if judicial officers themselves are not secure, it raises serious doubts about the government’s ability to protect ordinary citizens. His remarks signal that
law and order, security, and governance will be key pillars of the BJP’s campaign narrative in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.