India, June 20 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) landmark victory in West Bengal, saying the new government led by Suvendu Adhikari had infused fresh energy into the state and accelerated efforts to overcome long-standing challenges.

Speaking at the 'Paschimbanga Divas' (West Bengal Day) celebrations in Tarakeswar of Hooghly district, Modi used his first public address since the BJP's electoral triumph in the state to criticise the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Left, while asserting that Bengal had entered a new phase of development.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the political change in the state had brought a renewed sense of optimism among people.

Modi extende...