Kolkata, May 22 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit West Bengal on May 29, marking his first appearance in the state following the successful Operation Sindoor, a recent cross-border military strike in which Indian Armed Forces destroyed several terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir earlier this month.

On Thursday morning, senior BJP leaders including Amitava Chakraborty, the party's state general secretary (organisation), and Deepak Barman, another general secretary, visited the Parade Ground to oversee preparations. They were joined by other key leaders of the state unit to ensure a well-organized event.

“In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and the military tensions with Pakistan, the Prime Minister has chosen Alipurduar as the location for both an administrative and a political address. We have taken on the responsibility of preparing for the rally, and work has already begun,” BJP MLA from Falakata, Deepak Barman who was also in the inspection team, said.

Earlier, confirming the visit, BJP MP from Amlipurduar had said, “Prime Minister will address a public rally at the Alipurduar Parade Ground, and preparations for the event are already underway.”

“This will be the Prime Minister’s first public address in Bengal after the successful Operation Sindoor. Today, we visited the Parade Ground to inspect the venue and identify the location for the dais from where he will speak,” said Tigga, adding that this rally will be a part of a broader national outreach campaign in which the Prime Minister will be highlighting the bravery and success of our armed forces.

The visit carries significant political weight, coming months ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. BJP leaders believe the Prime Minister’s rally will galvanise party workers and bolster the party’s grassroots presence across the state.

Sources within the state BJP indicated that, apart from the political rally, Prime Minister Modi is also likely to attend an administrative meeting in the district on the same day. While the final venue for the administrative session is yet to be confirmed, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat is currently reviewing the arrangements.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang had formally invited him to participate in the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood, also scheduled for May 29.

Taking to social media, Tamang said, “On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I had the privilege of extending a formal invitation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister... I am pleased to share that he has graciously accepted the invitation and conveyed his willingness to visit our beautiful Himalayan state.”

Sources in the party indicated that the Prime Minister is expected to visit Sikkim to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of the state's formation, with a likely stopover in West Bengal ahead of that event.

UNI XC GNK