After Delimitation Bill Setback, PM Modi Sharpens Women-Centric Poll Pitch in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday intensified his campaign in West Bengal, foregrounding women-focused welfare promises while escalating criticism of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over its stance on women’s political representation.

Addressing a rally in Bankura, Modi outlined a series of incentives aimed at women voters, including financial assistance for pregnant women and expanded healthcare coverage. He said that under a BJP-led government in the state, women would be entitled to free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh, along with no-cost dialysis services at government hospitals. "If a BJP government is formed in Bengal, women will receive free treatment upto Rs 5 lakhs. If someone in a woman's family has kidney disease? They will also receive free dialysis in government hospitals. It won't cost a single rupee," he said.

Sharpening his political attack, Modi accused the TMC of opposing the proposed 33% reservation for women in legislatures. “The women of Bengal wanted 33% reservation. Modi ensured this… but TMC did not want more of Bengal’s daughters to become MLAs and MPs,” he said further claiming that while his government backed the measure, the TMC—along with the Congress—worked to block it, alleging that “it was a betrayal to women of Bengal.” He framed this as part of what he described as a broader governance failure in the state.

Reinforcing the BJP’s positioning, Modi said the party’s core agenda centres on women’s safety, dignity and economic empowerment. He also accused opposition parties of “betraying” women by stalling the reservation bill in Parliament.

On welfare delivery, the Prime Minister argued that women in Bengal were being denied benefits available in BJP-ruled states. He promised that a change in government would improve access to schemes, including free rations and direct financial support. "The sisters of Bengal will receive Rs 36,000 every year. Pregnant women will be given Rs 21,000. The central government will also provide Rs 5,000 to sisters after they have a child, for the education of their daughters. Rs 50,000 will be provided... Under the Mudra scheme, women will receive Rs 20 lakh for self-employment. Women involved in agriculture will receive an additional Rs 9,000 annually... BJP's double-engine government is going to give a double mandate to the sisters of Bengal," he added.

Pointing to the rally turnout, Modi said the crowd reflected both growing support for the BJP and public dissatisfaction with the state government.

He further accused the TMC of neglecting tribal women, citing the election of President Droupadi Murmu as an example of the BJP’s commitment to elevating marginalised communities, who represent India on the global stage.