Can Bangladeshi Hindus Settle In India? What PM Modi Promised Bengal In Malda Amid Targeted Killings, Watch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a large public rally in Malda, West Bengal, strongly criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and questioned its record on development, employment and governance.

He asked people, "Rokawat kaun hai?" (Who is the obstacle?), blaming the TMC for holding back Bengal's progress.

PM Modi said that West Bengal has neither seen new factories nor adequate support for farmers. He pointed out that youth from districts like Malda and Murshidabad are forced to migrate to other states in search of work due to the lack of job opportunities at home.

VIDEO | Malda, West Bengal: Addressing a public rally, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, "People of India, especially Gen Z, have reposed faith in BJPs development model. After witnessing your excitement here, I am saying this with full belief that this time people of Bengal will… pic.twitter.com/kyIadwcyQn

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 17, 2026

Farmers, Floods and Allegations of Corruption

The Prime Minister said farmers in the region are struggling badly, especially mango growers. He claimed many farmers did not even recover their production costs this year because the state government failed to promote industries linked to agriculture, including food processing.

VIDEO | Malda, West Bengal: Addressing a public rally, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, "Bengal has showered me with immense love. I can see the belief of asli poribortan (real change) for Bengals development. Today, our country is working to achieve the target of becoming… pic.twitter.com/QsdzS7cS9S

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 17, 2026

PM Modi also accused the TMC government of corruption in flood relief work. He said that every year hundreds of homes are washed away due to floods, yet affected families do not receive proper help. Referring to audit findings, he alleged that flood relief money was not given to the people but was diverted through government channels.

He assured the crowd that once a BJP government comes to power in Bengal, strict action will be taken against corruption and permanent flood-control arrangements will be made on rivers like the Ganga, Mahananda and Fulhar.

Once in power, BJP will elevate Maldas mango economy to unprecedented heights, boost cold storage and food processing: PM.

Bengals biggest challenge is infiltration: Modi at Malda rally.

BJP got its mayor elected in Keralas capital Thiruvananthapuram, showing rising support… pic.twitter.com/0QJHCx1Ge9

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 17, 2026

BJP Promises Development and Jobs

PM Modi said he had come to Malda with the promise of fast development and to restore Bengal's lost glory. He urged people to vote for the BJP, saying that only a change in government can bring real progress.

He promised new opportunities for youth and farmers, especially in sectors such as food processing, silk and jute, calling them part of Bengal's heritage. He said the central BJP government is already investing heavily in these areas.

#WATCH | West Bengal | Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his speech at a public rally in Malda by addressing the gathering in Bengali.

(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/Xm8MCGX0n4

— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2026

Big Push to Rail and Road Infrastructure

Before the rally, PM Modi was felicitated ahead of laying the foundation stone and inaugurating rail and road projects worth over ₹3,250 crore. He congratulated the people of Bengal for getting the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train and four new Amrit Bharat trains.

He said the new Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati would connect important religious centres and improve travel. He added that India is now manufacturing more railway coaches than many developed countries, boosting jobs and self-reliance.

Ghuspaith : PM Modi On Illegal Immigrants

PM Modi said illegal infiltration is one of the biggest challenges facing Bengal. He claimed that developed countries across the world are taking strict action against illegal immigrants, and Bengal also needs to do the same.

He accused TMC leaders and their local networks of turning infiltrators into voters for political gain, warning that this has disturbed population balance in several areas and led to rising tensions. He promised strict action against illegal infiltration if BJP comes to power.

Bangladeshi Hindus Can Settle In India

Referring to violence against minorities in neighbouring countries, PM Modi said that people who have come to India to escape religious persecution should not be afraid. He said the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) provides protection and legal rights to such refugees.

He also attacked the TMC over women's safety, citing incidents involving journalists and alleging that law and order has collapsed under the current government. He said only a change in power can ensure justice and safety for women.

Ending his speech, PM Modi gave a slogan for the upcoming state elections:
"Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar" (Change is needed, we want a BJP government).