Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a rally in Dum Dum on April 24, 2026, alongside Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar rape victim. The event was part of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, with Modi backing BJP candidate Ratna Debnath.
PM Modi's Accusations Against TMC
During the rally, Prime Minister Modi launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of fostering a poor law and order situation in the state. He described the incident involving the RG Kar victim as a reflection of what he termed 'jungle raj.' Modi asserted that the BJP stands firmly with women facing injustice and promised to implement stronger safety measures if elected.
Call for a Secure Environment
Modi emphasized the need for a secure environment for women in West Bengal. He stated that the BJP is committed to ensuring safety and justice for all, particularly women who have been victims of crime. The Prime Minister urged voters to support the BJP to bring about change and end the current state of lawlessness.
- Modi accused the TMC of failing to protect women's safety.
- He promised stricter laws and better enforcement to prevent such incidents.
- The rally highlighted the BJP's focus on women's issues in the election campaign.
The presence of Ratna Debnath, the victim's mother, added emotional weight to the rally. She has been a vocal critic of the TMC government's handling of her daughter's case. Modi's decision to campaign with her underscores the BJP's strategy to highlight law and order failures in the state.
Political Context
West Bengal is heading to the polls amid heightened tensions over crime and governance. The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has faced repeated criticism from the BJP over alleged corruption and deteriorating law and order. The RG Kar case has become a major election issue, with both parties trading accusations.
Modi's rally in Dum Dum is part of a series of high-profile campaign events across the state. The BJP hopes to capitalize on public anger over the incident to gain an edge in the elections. Ratna Debnath's candidacy from Dum Dum is seen as a symbolic move to channel this sentiment.
The Prime Minister also criticized the TMC for what he called 'appeasement politics' and neglecting the development of the state. He promised that a BJP government would focus on infrastructure, job creation, and women's safety.
In response, the TMC dismissed Modi's allegations as political propaganda. Party leaders accused the BJP of exploiting a tragedy for electoral gains. They pointed to the BJP's own record on women's safety in other states and questioned its commitment to justice for the RG Kar victim.
The election in West Bengal is expected to be closely contested, with the BJP making significant inroads in recent years. The outcome will have implications for national politics as well, given the state's 42 parliamentary seats.
