Mon Feb 23 16:52:10 UTC 2026: # Modi Appeals to West Bengal Voters Ahead of Assembly Elections, Citing “Anarchy”

The Story:
Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned an open letter to the people of West Bengal, expressing concern over the state’s descent into “anarchy.” Published on February 23, 2026, the letter urges voters to take an “oath” to build a “Viksit West Bengal” (Developed West Bengal) and promises an opportunity to serve them, free from corruption and misrule. The letter coincides with the West Bengal BJP’s “Griha Sampak Abhiyan,” a door-to-door campaign aimed at connecting with households.

Key Points:

  • Prime Minister Modi addressed the people of West Bengal directly via an open letter on February 23, 2026.
  • He criticized the state for sinking into “darkness of anarchy” and called for a “Viksit West Bengal” by 2026.
  • He alleged “illegal infiltration and violence against women” and the rule of “fake voters” in the state.
  • He assured the Matua community of citizenship through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
  • He highlighted Union government development projects, claiming that 5 crore people have been brought under banking services through the Central Jan-Dhan Yojana, 85 lakh toilets have been constructed, and Ujjwala Yojana has reached one crore families.

Critical Analysis:
The Prime Minister’s letter is a clear attempt to galvanize support for the BJP in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. The strong language used, framing the state as being in a state of “anarchy” and tarnished by “illegal infiltration,” suggests a strategy of appealing to anxieties about security and demographic change. The promise of citizenship through the CAA is a direct appeal to specific communities, while highlighting central government schemes aims to demonstrate tangible benefits despite alleged non-cooperation from the state government.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BJP is actively campaigning in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, employing a strategy that combines direct appeals from the Prime Minister with grassroots outreach.
  • The campaign focuses heavily on issues of security, corruption, and demographic change, framing the current state government as ineffective and detrimental to the state’s progress.
  • The BJP is leveraging national-level initiatives to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of the people of West Bengal, despite tensions with the state government.
  • The Prime Minister’s letter suggests a heightened sense of urgency and importance placed on the upcoming elections in West Bengal.

Impact Analysis:
The Prime Minister’s intervention indicates that the BJP views the West Bengal Assembly elections as a crucial opportunity to expand its political footprint. The rhetoric used and the issues highlighted suggest a long-term strategy to reshape the political landscape of the state by appealing to specific demographics and addressing perceived grievances. The outcome of the election will likely have significant implications for the balance of power in the region and the future trajectory of West Bengal’s development.

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