Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a set of “six guarantees” for West Bengal, promising a stricter crackdown on corruption, better governance, and the rollout of the 7th Pay Commission if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in the state. Speaking at a public rally, he said these guarantees aim to create an administrative system that is accountable and fully answerable to the people.

During his address, the Prime Minister focused on restoring trust in governance. He assured that a BJP-led government would replace what he described as an atmosphere of fear with one of confidence and fairness. He also stressed the importance of rule of law and said it would be strengthened to ensure justice for all citizens. According the to him, governance under a BJP administration would be more transparent, responsive, and responsible towards the public.

Detailing his promises, Modi laid out the six guarantees in clear terms. He said, "I offer six guarantees to West Bengal-- 1. Modi's first guarantee: A BJP government will replace this atmosphere of fear with trust. It will restore faith in the rule of law. 2. Modi's second guarantee: Under a BJP government, the administrative machinery will be accountable--fully answerable--to the public it serves. 3. Modi's third guarantee: The files regarding every scam, every act of corruption, every injustice committed against our daughters, and every case of rape will be reopened. 4. Modi's fourth guarantee: Under the TMC's rule, whoever has engaged in corruption belongs in jail. Be it a minister or a watchman, the law will hold everyone to account. No TMC goon will be able to evade the law any longer. 5. Modi's fifth guarantee: Refugees will be granted every right and privilege guaranteed by the Constitution. However, infiltrators will be driven out; they will not be permitted to remain in India. 6. Modi's sixth guarantee: The moment a BJP government is formed here, we will implement the 7th Pay Commission," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister strongly criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress government and accused it of corruption and failure to ensure law and order. He claimed that cases related to scams, crimes against women, and other serious offences would be reopened and investigated if the BJP forms the government. He also said that no one involved in wrongdoing would be spared, regardless of their position or influence.

Modi also spoke about the importance of coordination between the central and state governments. He said that development works best when both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister work together. He argued that a “double-engine” government, where the same party is in power at both levels, would speed up development in the state. He added that such cooperation would help Bengal become self-reliant, especially in sectors like fisheries and seafood.

Highlighting the Centre’s efforts, Modi spoke about initiatives taken to boost the fisheries sector. He noted that a separate ministry has been created to address the needs of fishermen and promote the blue economy. He said this step was taken for the first time since independence and shows the government’s commitment to the sector. He also mentioned that financial support has been extended through schemes like the Kisan Credit Card.

"The BJP established a separate Ministry dedicated to Fisheries. After decades of independence, our government, for the very first time, created a distinct Ministry of Fisheries to address the needs of fishermen, their families, and the Blue Economy as a whole. Not only did we create a separate Ministry, but the BJP has also allocated a distinct and record-breaking budget for the welfare of fishermen. Furthermore, the BJP has provided access to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility for fishermen. The BJP has also provided insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for fishermen; lakhs of our fellow fishermen have already availed themselves of this benefit. Once a BJP government is formed here, every Central government scheme will be implemented in the state with great speed and efficiency," said PM Modi.

He emphasised that these schemes have already benefited a large number of fishermen across the country. He added that similar benefits would reach people in West Bengal more effectively if the BJP is voted to power in the state. According to him, faster implementation of central schemes would improve livelihoods and strengthen the local economy.

The political context remains significant as West Bengal is heading towards Assembly elections. Voting for the 294-member Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The elections are expected to witness a strong contest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.

In the previous Assembly elections held in 2021, the Trinamool Congress secured a decisive victory by winning 213 seats. The BJP emerged as the main opposition with 77 seats, marking a major rise in its presence in the state. Meanwhile, the Congress and the Left Front failed to win any seats in that election.

With the latest announcement of guarantees, Modi has attempted to set the tone for the upcoming elections by focusing on governance, accountability, and economic development. His speech highlighted both criticism of the current state government and promises of change under a BJP administration. The coming weeks are likely to see intensified campaigning as political parties try to win voter support ahead of polling.