“Jai Maa Kali”: PM Modi Pens Emotional Note to People of Bengal Ahead of Assembly Elections

Kolkata/New Delhi: Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written an emotional letter to the people and voters of the state, opening it with the words “Jai Maa Kali.” The reference to the goddess is being seen as part of the BJP’s new election strategy in Bengal, signaling a shift from the party’s traditional slogan, “Jai Shri Ram,” toward a message more culturally resonant with the region.

In his note, PM Modi expressed concern over alleged Bangladeshi infiltration in the state and reiterated that women’s safety remains a top priority for his government. Political analysts believe the shift from “Jai Shri Ram” to invoking Maa Kali and Maa Durga reflects BJP’s attempt to connect more closely with the socio-cultural sentiments of West Bengal voters.

Campaign Context:
The BJP, under its “Mission Bengal” campaign, aims to secure its first electoral victory in the state. During the party’s recent outreach, BJP leaders have actively highlighted issues of illegal migration and women’s safety, citing high-profile cases of sexual violence in the state. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, speaking at a BJP Women’s Morcha meeting in Kolkata, praised Maa Durga and urged women to awaken the strength of the goddess within themselves to protect their dignity.

Central Minister Annapurna Devi concluded her address by invoking Maa Durga and Maa Tara, while opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari also praised Ganga Mata and Maa Tara, highlighting the cultural symbolism central to political messaging in the state.

Since 2011, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has governed West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee, who completed 15 years in office this May. The BJP aims to unseat the TMC in the 2026 elections, and PM Modi’s invocation of Maa Kali is seen as a strategic attempt to culturally align the party with West Bengal’s electorate.