Context

Acche Din Coming For The BJP In West Bengal?

Ujjawal MishraSep 14, 2022, 06:49 PM | Updated 06:48 PM IST
Scene from a BJP meeting in West Bengal (Twitter)

Scene from a BJP meeting in West Bengal (Twitter)


The enthusiasm surrounding the "nabanna chalo" rally may be signalling better fortunes for the BJP in West Bengal.

Context: In response to the rampant corruption and general maladministration in Bengal, the BJP held a march on 13 September.

  • The protest rally to nabanna, or state secretariat, was met with uncharacteristic violence from state police.

  • Several protesters were grievously injured in the police crackdown.

  • Despite the police brutality, the BJP will see Tuesday's events as a sign of good things to come.

  • Confidence in BJP cadres: The protestors, several of whom were saffron-clad, were chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogans, of which Mamata Banerjee isn't particularly fond.

    • Those who weren't permitted by state police to gather in Kolkata held their ground at railway stations and bus terminals.

  • This shows that party workers are finally trusting the leadership.

  • Previously, workers may have felt that they were left to fend for themselves in the post-poll violence.

  • Good attendance: The rally was attended by thousands of BJP workers and supporters. This is significant because:

    • TMC cadres had gone on a state-wide rampage after their sweeping victory in the 2021 assembly elections.

  • BJP workers were beaten, their homes vandalised, and their properties burnt. Several supporters were even killed.

  • Tuesday's showing means that people have overcome the fear of the Trinamool.

  • Growing mass support: The confidence of the BJP cadres to take on the Trinamool is based on what they are hearing from the grassroots.

    • There is a steady rise in support for the BJP among Bengal’s masses, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. 

  • Many who had distanced themselves from the BJP or left the party after last year’s elections have started making their way back.


    • Trinamool’s infamous culture of ‘cut money’, extortion, and corruption has forced Bengalis to look for an alternative.

    Trinamool's corruption: The amassing of wealth by even lower-level Trinamool functionaries, who enjoy lavish lifestyles, has contributed to the overall dislike.

    • Recently, party functionaries, several of whom are known to be close to Banerjee, were arrested.

  • Mounds of cash, valuables, and documents proving their ownership of lands and properties were recovered, further intensifying disgust against Trinamool.

  • Misappropriation of funds for schemes like rural employment guarantee, housing for poor, and rural road construction has led to the Union government halting disbursal of funds for these schemes.

  • Bengal's economic woes: Corruption and economic development seldom go hand in hand.

    • Jobs are scarce.

  • With Banerjee’s failure to attract investment, especially big-ticket investment, unemployment is on to rise.

  • The lakhs of Bengalis working in other states return with tales of affluence, ease of living, and freedom they enjoy there.

  • Such things fuel anger among the masses over the sad state of affairs in Bengal.

  • Mamata's appeasement: The Trinamool's pampering of Muslims, whether in paying clerics or in their disproportionate representation in her administration, has alienated Hindus.

    • Muslims are accorded priority in welfare schemes, jobs, and favours doled out by the ruling party.

    But... wait a minute. None of this is to say that Mamata Banerjee's government is about to fall.

    • Times ahead won't be smooth for the BJP, either.

  • If, however, the BJP can capitalise on the momentum of Tuesday’s rally, it can begin to reverse its fortunes in the state going forward.

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