Why Did Bengal BJP Select Durgapur for PM’s Political Rally Tomorrow?

Kolkata, July 17 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a pivotal political rally in the industrial town of Durgapur, located in the West Burdwan district of West Bengal, tomorrow afternoon. This rally holds heightened political importance for a variety of reasons.

The event occurs just three days prior to the Trinamool Congress’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally in Kolkata on July 21, and merely two days following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s protest march on July 16 against the alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in states governed by the BJP.

Political analysts suggest that with the Prime Minister’s rally strategically positioned between these two significant events, it will be intriguing to observe how Narendra Modi balances criticisms of the state government with responses to the allegations made by the Trinamool Congress regarding the status of Bengali-speaking communities in the BJP-led states of Odisha, Assam, and Delhi.

This rally is also notable as it is expected to set the campaigning tone for the BJP ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in West Bengal next year.

From Prime Minister Modi’s address, the BJP’s state unit anticipates guidance on whether to adhere strictly to a “hardline Hindutva agenda” or to also emphasize “inclusive socio-economic development” for the state's populace.

Additionally, BJP leaders are eager to see how Modi will tackle the Trinamool Congress's claims that the Special Intensive Review by the Election Commission of India is a covert attempt to impose the National Register of Citizens in West Bengal.

Another key consideration is the selection of Durgapur as the rally venue.

A BJP state committee member noted that Modi's address will impact two crucial Lok Sabha constituencies in West Burdwan district: Bardhaman-Durgapur and Asansol. “While we faced narrow defeats in 2024, our candidates succeeded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Thus, these constituencies are vital for us, especially given the significant Hindi-speaking Hindu population in this area. Hence, Durgapur is an ideal venue from that standpoint,” the member stated.

Moreover, Durgapur was chosen for its logistical benefits, being close to the Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Andal, facilitating a swift commute for the Prime Minister.

According to the current schedule, PM Modi is set to land at Andal airport around 2:35 PM, reaching the rally site by approximately 3 PM. The venue will feature two stages: one for the Prime Minister's administrative agenda and another for his political address.

The timing for the administrative segment is slated between 3 PM and 3:30 PM, while the political address is set for 3:45 PM to 4:15 PM. PM Modi is expected to depart from Andal to Delhi at 5 PM.