Bharatiya Janata Party’s West Bengal chapter executed a calculated reset, barring stalwarts Dilip Ghosh, Sukanta Majumdar, and Suvendu Adhikari from the freshly constituted state committee. This Tuesday’s disclosure underscores a shift towards grassroots empowerment.
The party’s explanation is straightforward: promote performers from the ranks to invigorate the structure. ‘In politics, evolution is key. We’re honoring those who’ve toiled in villages and towns, building our cadre silently,’ remarked a high-level organizer.
Notably, the committee skips the troika credited with BJP’s Bengal surge. Ghosh’s barbs, Majumdar’s stewardship, and Adhikari’s defection victories galvanized support, yet they find no place in this 20-strong body dominated by district in-charges and thematic heads.
Contextualizing the move: Post-2021 drubbing and uneven 2024 recovery, BJP seeks resilience. Emphasis on women, SC/ST wings, and urban youth reflects data-driven polling insights.
Internal buzz suggests it’s also a check on personality cults, ensuring collective leadership. ‘No egos, only mission,’ echoes the sentiment from Kolkata headquarters.
Broader canvas: Bengal remains BJP’s toughest turf, with TMC’s welfare populism and regional identity holding sway. Issues like Rohingya infiltration, governance lapses, and cultural festivals offer attack vectors, which the new team must exploit.
Stakeholders watch keenly. Adhikari’s legislative clout, Ghosh’s oratory, and Majumdar’s networks persist, but committee duties signal redefined influence. For Mamata Banerjee, it’s ammunition to portray BJP as unstable.
Verdict: A high-stakes gamble. Success hinges on translating intent into votes, potentially catapulting BJP or exposing fractures in its Bengal fortress.