West Bengal Assembly Elections: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in West Bengal ahead of the second phase of elections, launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, listing sexual assaults on women since the party "came to power 15 years ago".

'Ma Crying, Maati With Infiltrators, Maanush Scared': PM Modi

He accused the state's ruling party of betraying its own slogan, "Ma Mati Manush" (Mother, Motherland, People). The Prime Minister said that today, the 'Ma' is crying, the 'maati' is with infiltrators, and the 'manush' are living in constant fear.

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He said that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has failed to ensure the security of women in West Bengal. He cited several high-profile cases to underscore this claim, including the rape and murder of the young doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar hospital and the gangrape and murder of a 20-year-old in Kamduni, just 20 km from the state capital.

"The Trinamool has brought Bengal, which has been a leader in women's empowerment, to a low point. Every day, there are reports of rape, gang rape and murder. In their 15-year reign of lawlessness, many major incidents of rape and murder have occurred - the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder, Kasba Law College rape, Park Street gang rape, Hanskhali rape and murder, Kamduni gang rape, Durgapur Medical College rape case," the prime minister said.

He further added, "There are many such incidents where the crimes took place in schools or colleges, or daughters were harassed while on duty. And in most cases, Trinamool leaders are involved... This merciless government protects the goons and, instead, blames the daughters... After May 4, there will be an account of every goon, every oppressor, and every corrupt person of Trinamool Congress."

'Every Sister And Daughter Of Bengal Has Risen'

He said that "every sister and daughter of Bengal has now risen against the merciless Trinamool government," adding that the first phase of voting has provided a 'clear' glimpse of this shift.

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His remarks follow a record turnout in the first phase of the elections on April 23, when the turnout figure surged to 92.89 per cent across 152 constituencies. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) have offered conflicting interpretations of these figures.

The next phase of polling is scheduled to be held on April 29, covering 142 seats. The counting of votes will be held on May 4.

Women have long been the strongest supporters of the West Bengal Chief Minister, who has introduced several schemes for them over the years. Schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar (monthly cash transfers), Kanyashree (financial assistance for education), Rupashree (assistance for weddings), and vocational training under 'Muktir Alo Yojana' have helped the state's women continue their education and gain independence.

As a result, they have emerged not just as voters but as a significant social and economic force that helps shape policy.

However, the BJP has been targeting this base since the 2024 Lok Sabha election, particularly after reports of sexual exploitation in Sandeshkhali came to light.