Monday, Apr 13, 2026 21:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Apr 12, 2026 15:49 [IST]
SILIGURI,: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the transformative impact of
the Sevoke-Rangpo rail route on regional connectivity, stating that it will
integrate Sikkim into India’s national rail network. He emphasized that the
project will boost tourism, trade, and overall development in North Bengal and
Sikkim.
The
Prime Minister made these remarks during a public rally at Kawakhali Ground on
the outskirts of Siliguri on Sunday. He has been in Siliguri since Saturday as
part of an election campaign for the upcoming Assembly polls in West Bengal.
He
said that upon completion of the project, Sikkim and Bengal will be better
connected, strengthening trade and tourism between the two regions.
Criticising
Mamata Banerjee’s TMC government, Modi alleged that instead of focusing on
development in North Bengal, the State sanctioned Rs 6,000 crore for madrasas.
He accused the TMC government of “appeasement politics” and neglecting North
Bengal, tea gardens, and tribal communities.
He
termed the TMC government as “ruthless,” alleging it is anti-North Bengal,
anti-tribal, and anti-tea garden. Now it is time to think and prove that Bengal
will no longer tolerate the atrocities of the TMC government, he said.
Modi
also spoke about a “gang” allegedly attempting to disrupt the Siliguri Corridor
and divide the Northeast, accusing the TMC government of elevating such
elements from the streets to Parliament.
“When
heavy rains wreaked havoc in several districts of North Bengal, the TMC
government was celebrating in Kolkata instead of addressing the concerns of the
victims,” he said.
Modi
campaigned for candidates from the hills and North Bengal. Leaders of the
GorkhaJanmuktiMorcha, including BimalGurung and RoshanGiri, along with
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, were present at the rally.
