. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused West Bengal’s ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) of supporting “tukde-tukde gang” who had threatened to break the strategic Siliguri Corridor to cut off the Northeast from the rest of India.Addressing an election rally at Kawakhali ground in Siliguri, he said, “The country has a ‘tukde-tukde’ gang, and it threatened to cut off the Siliguri Corridor. They wanted to separate the Northeast from the country.” Watch Fish Beyond Politics, But Prices Bite Hard in Kolkata’s Markets “The TMC, which indulges in appeasement politics, supports such people from the streets to Parliament. That is the real face of TMC,” he added, addressing his eighth rally in the state since elections were announced.The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken’s neck’, is a narrow stretch of land in northern Bengal, about 20–22 km wide, and serves as the only land link between mainland India and the Northeast.PM Modi also urged voters to support a ‘double-engine government’ in the upcoming state polls, saying development in Bengal would move faster if the BJP comes to power in the state.He again accused the TMC of appeasement politics, claiming that while the state government had allocated fund for madrassa development, funds for north Bengal were not sufficient. The prime minister also alleged that the TMC had stalled central projects.Calling the state government “nirmam” (cruel), PM Modi said the people of Bengal had suffered under a “reign of fear”, especially in tea garden regions of north Bengal.He further alleged that illegal immigration was leading to demographic changes and affecting local jobs. “Infiltrators are eating into local jobs. It will be too late if the menace is not stopped right away. That’s why the mantra is ‘Kamal khilao, ghuspetia bhagao’,” he said, referring to the BJP’s election symbol.Urging voters to give the BJP a chance, he said Bengal had already tried the Congress, Left and TMC. “Give Modi a chance to ensure the security of daughters, to save Bengal from infiltrators and to provide jobs to youth within the state,” he said.PM Modi was campaigning for BJP candidates in Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, where voting will be held in the first phase on April 23. The second phase will take place on April 29, and counting will be held on May 4.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh LocationsUAE Visit: Jaishankar Conveys PM Modi’s Thanks, Highlights India’s Role In Regional StabilityMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But Statutory123PhotostoriesBest non-American sitcoms of all time: ‘Derry Girls’, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and more10 dishes that make lentils feel anything but ordinarySaas-bahu relationships on Indian TV that were actually wholesome: Devyani-Simar, Sudha-Parvati and more7 iconic breakfasts people eat around the world5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu: From ‘Outlander’ to ‘Attack on Titan’Life lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused West Bengal’s ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) of supporting “tukde-tukde gang” who had threatened to break the strategic Siliguri Corridor to cut off the Northeast from the rest of India.Addressing an election rally at Kawakhali ground in Siliguri, he said, “The country has a ‘tukde-tukde’ gang, and it threatened to cut off the Siliguri Corridor. They wanted to separate the Northeast from the country.”
“The TMC, which indulges in appeasement politics, supports such people from the streets to Parliament. That is the real face of TMC,” he added, addressing his eighth rally in the state since elections were announced.The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken’s neck’, is a narrow stretch of land in northern Bengal, about 20–22 km wide, and serves as the only land link between mainland India and the Northeast.PM Modi also urged voters to support a ‘double-engine government’ in the upcoming state polls, saying development in Bengal would move faster if the BJP comes to power in the state.He again accused the TMC of appeasement politics, claiming that while the state government had allocated fund for madrassa development, funds for north Bengal were not sufficient. The prime minister also alleged that the TMC had stalled central projects.Calling the state government “nirmam” (cruel), PM Modi said the people of Bengal had suffered under a “reign of fear”, especially in tea garden regions of north Bengal.He further alleged that illegal immigration was leading to demographic changes and affecting local jobs. “Infiltrators are eating into local jobs. It will be too late if the menace is not stopped right away. That’s why the mantra is ‘Kamal khilao, ghuspetia bhagao’,” he said, referring to the BJP’s election symbol.Urging voters to give the BJP a chance, he said Bengal had already tried the Congress, Left and TMC. “Give Modi a chance to ensure the security of daughters, to save Bengal from infiltrators and to provide jobs to youth within the state,” he said.PM Modi was campaigning for BJP candidates in Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, where voting will be held in the first phase on April 23. The second phase will take place on April 29, and counting will be held on May 4.