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PM Modi at the Paschimbanga Divas Celebrations in Tarakeswar
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) celebrations held at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district on 20 June 2026 and launched a series of major development projects aimed at accelerating the state’s growth and improving the lives of its people.
The state-level celebration, organized under the theme “West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development,” highlighted Bengal’s rich cultural legacy, social unity, and developmental aspirations. During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects spanning railways, agriculture, fisheries, rural development, and animal husbandry sectors.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Shri Modi described the occasion as a historic moment that reflected a renewed spirit of optimism, confidence, and progress in West Bengal. He said the state had embarked on a new journey of development and nation-building, with people displaying tremendous enthusiasm and faith in a brighter future. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of Paschimbanga Divas, stating that the day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made to preserve Bengal’s identity, culture, and heritage during the turbulent years leading up to Independence and Partition. Paying tribute to the visionaries and leaders who safeguarded Bengal’s interests, he particularly remembered Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee for his crucial role in ensuring that a part of Bengal remained within India during Partition.
Shri Modi also paid homage to iconic personalities such as Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, noting that their contributions continue to inspire generations across the nation.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to development, the Prime Minister said that projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees related to railways, roads, agriculture, and fisheries would strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity, create employment opportunities, and boost the rural economy of the state.
A major highlight of the event was the release of the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). Under the scheme, more than Rs. 18,880 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore farmers across the country. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to all beneficiary farmers and reiterated the government’s commitment to their welfare.
Shri Modi also announced that every eligible poor family in West Bengal would now be covered under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. He further highlighted several welfare initiatives, including the rollout of the Annapurna Scheme, expansion of drinking water facilities under the Jal Jeevan Mission, relaxation in age limits for government jobs, and free bus travel for women. He said these schemes would be implemented transparently through public outreach camps, ensuring direct delivery of benefits without middlemen.
The Prime Minister pointed to significant infrastructure projects that are being fast-tracked, including the completion of Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line work at Chingrighata Crossing, the foundation stone for a new divisional railway hospital in Howrah, road overbridges in Purba Medinipur, and the Sankrail–Santragachi rail link project. For the farming community, he welcomed the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in West Bengal and the state’s inclusion in the Digital Agriculture Mission. He also announced focused support for Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram districts under the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.
Emphasizing the importance of fisheries, Shri Modi highlighted the expansion of the Fraserganj Fishing Harbour in South 24 Parganas and the development of a modern fish market in Birbhum. He also appealed to farmers nationwide to participate in the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” to promote soil conservation and natural farming.