Modi’s Hooghly Optics vs Mamata’s Jab: Shah in Bengal Psywar
Narendra Modi’s river outreach meets Mamata Banerjee’s jibe (Image Modi on X)
Narendra Modi’s river outreach meets Mamata Banerjee’s jibe, while Amit Shah drives intense ground campaign
By NIRENDRA DEV
Kolkata, April 25, 2026 — The high-decibel election campaign in West Bengal saw a mix of symbolism and sharp political exchanges as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a surprise boat ride on the Hooghly River, triggering a pointed response from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Early Friday morning, Modi arrived at Gwalior Ghat in Kolkata and boarded a wooden boat, accompanied by tight security arrangements. Sources said multiple boats were deployed by the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure safety during the unannounced river journey.
Sharing his experience later, Modi described the Ganga as integral to Bengal’s identity. “The Ganges flows through the soul of Bengal… I spent time on the banks of the Hooghly to express gratitude to Mother Ganga,” he posted.
However, the optics of the river outreach quickly drew political fire. Mamata Banerjee took a swipe, alluding to pollution concerns and indirectly questioning the symbolism of the exercise, turning the moment into a political talking point.
While Modi’s visuals dominated headlines, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been anchoring the BJP’s ground strategy with an intense, near round-the-clock campaign.
Camping in the state for an extended stretch, Shah has been clocking 16–18 hour workdays, addressing multiple rallies and roadshows across districts. His itinerary reflects the scale: from Sukna near Darjeeling to Kulti in West Burdwan, followed by Salboni and Chandipur — often covering hundreds of kilometres in a single day.
Party insiders say Shah’s routine extends late into the night, with strategy meetings continuing till early morning hours, driven by real-time feedback from the party’s war room.
The BJP’s aggressive push reflects the stakes in Bengal. The party’s rise since 2019 — when it won 18 Lok Sabha seats with over 40% vote share — has been closely tied to Shah’s organisational focus. Though numbers dipped in 2024, the BJP remains a formidable challenger.
In contrast, Banerjee continues to rely on regional connect and welfare politics, setting up a direct contest between narrative-driven symbolism and grassroots mobilisation.
As campaigning enters its final phase, Modi’s river ride and Mamata’s sharp retort underline a familiar Bengal script — where optics, emotion, and political messaging flow as strongly as the Hooghly itself.
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