Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal on Thursday to lay the foundation stone for a gas distribution project and address a rally in Alipurduar. This will be his first visit to the state following the success of 'Operation Sindoor' earlier this month, and comes about a year before the 2026 assembly elections. During the visit, Modi will inaugurate an Rs 1,010-crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project covering the Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts, and later speak at a public rally in Alipurduar, according to BJP leaders.

State BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar told PTI that both the official events and the rally will take place in nearby areas of these North Bengal districts. “The prime minister will first participate in the government programme and then address the public meeting. He will leave for Patna in the evening,” Majumdar added.

This visit comes amid intensified political activity in Bengal, with the BJP aiming to strengthen its position ahead of the 2026 elections, while the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been sharply criticizing the central government over alleged delays in fund releases. An official statement said the CGD project will provide piped natural gas (PNG) to over 2.5 lakh households and more than 100 commercial and industrial units across the two districts.

Additionally, around 19 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations will be established as part of the minimum work programme. The government highlighted that the initiative will offer a reliable, eco-friendly, and affordable fuel supply, while also creating employment opportunities in the region. BJP leaders hope that the Prime Minister’s address in Alipurduar will boost the party’s grassroots efforts.