Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a significant public rally in Malda, West Bengal, on January 17, 2026, strongly criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. He explicitly accused the TMC of converting 'infiltrators into voters' to secure political power and votes. Modi alleged that widespread infiltration has led to significant demographic changes in various areas of Bengal and has even contributed to riots in districts such as Malda and Murshidabad, thriving under TMC's 'patronage and syndicate raj'. During his address, PM Modi passionately appealed for 'asli poriborton' (real change) in West Bengal, urging citizens to vote for the BJP. He introduced a new slogan for the poll-bound state: 'Paltano Darkar, Chayee BJP Sarkar' (Change is needed, BJP government is desired). The Prime Minister also highlighted the BJP's recent electoral successes in states like Bihar, Odisha, and Assam, positioning them as examples of regions freed from divisive politics, suggesting West Bengal should follow suit. He expressed confidence that the people of India, especially the younger generation (Gen Z), have placed their trust in the BJP's development model. Before the rally, PM Modi also flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and inaugurated rail and road projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore in the state, aimed at bolstering connectivity and fostering development in West Bengal and the North East.