Shah accused TMC of running an “industry of infiltrators” and claimed that the party’s time in power has ended. “The year 2026 is the year to say ‘Tata, bye-bye’ to TMC. They have even surpassed the communists in corruption,” he stated. He added that when he first predicted a BJP government in Bengal, TMC mocked him, drawing a parallel with the Ram Setu incident, where Lord Ram’s work was ridiculed by Ravana.

The Home Minister also highlighted the cultural significance of Bengal, asserting that the national slogan Vande Mataram originated in the state, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. “Ironically, when it was discussed in Parliament, Mamata Banerjee’s MPs opposed it,” Shah said. He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram nationwide, taking the slogan from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Gujarat to Bengal.

Shah emphasized the BJP’s electoral achievements over the past two years, noting that the party has formed governments in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Bihar after decades in opposition. “In 2024, Modi became Prime Minister for the third consecutive time, and the BJP-NDA has steadily expanded its reach across the country,” he added.

Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday night for a two-day tour. After addressing the Barrackpore rally, he is scheduled to leave for Bagdogra in North Bengal, where he will attend an organizational meeting with party leaders from the region. This marks his second visit to West Bengal in under a month; he had previously visited Kolkata on December 30 and 31.

The Home Minister’s visit comes ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, where the BJP aims to make inroads in the state traditionally dominated by TMC. Analysts suggest that Shah’s speeches are part of the party’s strategy to consolidate Hindu nationalist sentiment while highlighting governance and security issues.

Shah’s remarks have already drawn criticism from TMC leaders, who dismissed the allegations of sheltering infiltrators as “political rhetoric ahead of elections.” The party has also defended its record on law and order, claiming that the BJP’s narrative is aimed at polarizing voters.