kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The political heat intensifies in poll-bound West Bengal ahead of crucial Lok Sabha phases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the state on May 29 to address multiple rallies and boost the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign in the final stretch of the election. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also expected to arrive in the state shortly after Modi’s visit, signaling the BJP’s full-throttle push in a state that continues to be fiercely contested.

Sources within the BJP confirmed that Modi will campaign in key constituencies where voting is still due in the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Though the exact itinerary is being finalized, it is understood that the Prime Minister will address public meetings in North Bengal and parts of South Bengal, where the BJP has a significant support base and aims to retain or improve its 2019 performance.

This visit marks yet another high-stakes intervention by Modi in a state where the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, remains a formidable opponent. The BJP, which made major inroads in West Bengal during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls by winning 18 out of 42 seats, is eyeing an even larger share this time. However, the path is far from easy, given TMC’s aggressive counter-campaign and strong grassroots presence.

Modi’s speeches are likely to focus on the themes of corruption, law and order, and alleged appeasement politics by the TMC. In earlier rallies, he has accused the state government of obstructing central welfare schemes and failing to curb political violence. His addresses often invoke nationalism, development, and a promise of 'double-engine government' — BJP-led governance at both the state and Centre.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah’s visit is expected to add further momentum to the BJP’s ground-level operations. Known for his strategic oversight and micro-level election management, Shah is likely to conduct internal reviews, meet state leaders, and possibly address a few public gatherings or press conferences. His visit could coincide with the final campaigning days for the last phase, making it a critical period for BJP’s voter outreach.

Senior BJP leaders in the state have welcomed the twin visits, claiming that the presence of top leadership energizes both the cadre and the electorate. “The Prime Minister’s visit is always a big morale booster. People in Bengal admire his leadership, and every time he comes here, we gain traction. Amit Shah’s follow-up visit will ensure that our booth-level preparation remains strong,” said a state BJP spokesperson.

On the other hand, the TMC has dismissed the BJP’s high-profile visits as desperate measures. Party insiders argue that the electorate in Bengal is aware of the BJP’s “hollow promises” and that the people will vote on issues like unemployment, inflation, and the Centre’s alleged neglect of state interests. Mamata Banerjee herself has been crisscrossing the state, leading spirited campaigns and taking direct jabs at the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister.

With both parties pulling out all stops, the last leg of campaigning in Bengal is shaping up to be one of the most intense in this election cycle. The state, long a political battleground, is once again witnessing a clash of titans — with Modi and Shah bringing national firepower to a deeply local contest.

As May 29 approaches, all eyes will be on the Prime Minister’s engagements, the messages he delivers, and the crowds he draws. Equally important will be the strategic maneuvers that follow under Amit Shah’s supervision — moves that could define the BJP’s final tally in this politically pivotal state.