Kolkata: Riding high on its resounding victory in Bihar, the BJP is now intensifying its efforts to strengthen its political foothold in West Bengal ahead of next year’s assembly elections. With the state election around the corner, the party is gearing up with full force. In an exclusive interview with Poonam Pandey, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and West Bengal state president Samik Bhattacharya spoke candidly about the party’s strategy, key election issues, and organizational preparations.
Q: With elections approaching in West Bengal next year, what is BJP’s preparation, and what lessons have you learned from previous elections?
A: Every election teaches us something, and we take those lessons internally. This time, it’s not just the BJP that is ready; the people are also prepared. This election is being fought by Mamata Banerjee against the common citizen, and her time in power is coming to an end.
Q: In the last election, BJP had high expectations but the results didn’t match. What has changed this time?
A: The atmosphere in West Bengal speaks for itself. People are saying they won’t let West Bengal turn into “West Bangladesh.” Earlier, people migrated to the state seeking work; now, they are leaving. Not just laborers, but students and industrialists are also moving out. There’s no new investment, and the environment for new industries is lacking. Corruption has become synonymous with the Trinamool Congress. Citizens can’t even protest freely, law and order is absent, and even judges aren’t safe.
Q: Mamata Banerjee is opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. How significant is this?
A: She is opposing SIR because she wants illegal voting by Rohingya, Bangladeshi infiltrators, and others. By opposing SIR, she tries to distract people from her anti-incumbency and corruption. But it won’t work—people are aware, and they’ve resolved to send the Trinamool Congress packing.
Q: In Bihar, BJP made “Jungle Raj” a major issue. Are you focusing on law and order in Bengal too?
A: In Bihar, people prevented the return of Jungle Raj. Similarly, the people of West Bengal will ensure the end of Mahajungle Raj this time.
Q: BJP is perceived as weak in rural and Muslim-dominated areas. How will you overcome this?
A: It’s true that BJP doesn’t receive even 1% of the Muslim vote. But anyone thinking that 30% of the Muslim vote will bring Mamata Banerjee back to power is mistaken. Look at Assam—despite having 12% more Muslim voters than West Bengal, BJP has won twice consecutively and is poised to win a third term.
Q: Does this mean BJP won’t seek votes from the Muslim community?
A: We want to remind the Muslim community that West Bengal records the highest deaths of Muslims due to political violence in India. Muslim representation in police lock-ups is also disproportionately high. What have they gained in 14 years? We have no enmity against Indian Muslims who consider India their own and do not celebrate Pakistan’s victories.
Q: There are reports of infighting within Bengal BJP, and distrust of leaders from Delhi, as highlighted by your MP Abhijeet Ganguly. How will you handle this?
A: There’s no infighting. In a large party undertaking major work, such issues happen. There’s no conflict—the party is united, and all leaders stand together under Narendra Modi. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, people trust leaders, and we will all fight together to defeat the Trinamool Congress.
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