West Bengal BJP's newly-elected state president Samik Bhattacharya, in an exclusive interview with ET, talks about the party's goal to oust Trinamool Congress in the 2026 assembly polls, and prevent Bengal from becoming "West Bangladesh" as Trinamool has allowed a "silent demographic invasion".
The Rajya Sabha MP details how his party aims to win over minority (Muslims) and woo the majority (Hindus), projecting BJP as an option for the minority in Bengal (not the infiltrated ones), who will get education and employment opportunities, if BJP is voted to power, replacing "stone pelters" with a "pen".
The Bengal BJP is all set for the upcoming assembly elections, Bhattacharya said while detailing the party's vision for the coming days, when assembly polls are just about nine months away.
From holding organisational meetings to travelling to districts and meeting the grassroot workers, strengthening the party's booth-level organisation, there are many challenges in front of the new party chief. However, Bhattacharya feels the biggest challenge in front of the people of Bengal is: whether they will oust the Trinamool government or allow "Bengal to turn into Bangladesh".
Infiltration
We don't want 'West Bangladesh' in West Bengal with radical forces and fundamentalists entering Bengal. There have been significant demographic changes in Bengal, especially in the bordering districts of North 24 Parganas and other districts. Now in Bangladesh, no one can walk with a photo of Ramakrishna Deb in their hands. Due to religious bigotry and fanaticism, things have changed there.
Bangladeshis and Rohingyas have settled in Bengal. It is necessary to stop them for the security of the country. . Our West Bengal has unfenced borders with Bangladesh. India is not a place where anyone can come and stay. Rohingyas are getting themselves enrolled in the voter list. We have also given documents to the ECI. However, Mamata Banerjee wants the people to settle here with fake documents.
Migrant Worker issues
Most of the Bangladeshis are found with fake Identity cards in even Opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu. Most checking is taking place in Tamil Nadu. Our internal security has been threatened by the fake I-card holders. Around 40 lakh migrant Bengalis have been forced to work in other states and they are also in trouble for fake ID holders.
BJP resorting to "soft Hindutva"
There is no soft or hard Hindutva. Trinamool government is destroying pluralism and multiculturalism in West Bengal because it resorts to politics of hate. Radicalism has no place in West Bengal and will never be accepted. This is the last election for Bengali Hindus and progressive Muslims to prevent West Bengal from becoming "West Bangladesh". Hindi-speaking people, who have come from outside and settled here, cannot be dismissed as Hindi speaking but they are also Bengalis. All those living here from Bengal are Bengalis.
On 2026 assembly elections
In the upcoming election, poll results are not in the hands of any political party but people. The public has decided that the Trinamool will not come to power again. Every election has its own share of challenges. But this time the challenge lies in the hands of people of Bengal. For the majority Hindus, this is the last election. This is the last election for the educated minorities as well who are originally from Bengal.
Trinamool Congress will be defeated. Their 'bisarjan" (offering Durga idols in water on last day of Durga puja) is imminent.
The Rajya Sabha MP details how his party aims to win over minority (Muslims) and woo the majority (Hindus), projecting BJP as an option for the minority in Bengal (not the infiltrated ones), who will get education and employment opportunities, if BJP is voted to power, replacing "stone pelters" with a "pen".
The Bengal BJP is all set for the upcoming assembly elections, Bhattacharya said while detailing the party's vision for the coming days, when assembly polls are just about nine months away.
From holding organisational meetings to travelling to districts and meeting the grassroot workers, strengthening the party's booth-level organisation, there are many challenges in front of the new party chief. However, Bhattacharya feels the biggest challenge in front of the people of Bengal is: whether they will oust the Trinamool government or allow "Bengal to turn into Bangladesh".
Infiltration
We don't want 'West Bangladesh' in West Bengal with radical forces and fundamentalists entering Bengal. There have been significant demographic changes in Bengal, especially in the bordering districts of North 24 Parganas and other districts. Now in Bangladesh, no one can walk with a photo of Ramakrishna Deb in their hands. Due to religious bigotry and fanaticism, things have changed there.
Bangladeshis and Rohingyas have settled in Bengal. It is necessary to stop them for the security of the country. . Our West Bengal has unfenced borders with Bangladesh. India is not a place where anyone can come and stay. Rohingyas are getting themselves enrolled in the voter list. We have also given documents to the ECI. However, Mamata Banerjee wants the people to settle here with fake documents.
Migrant Worker issues
Most of the Bangladeshis are found with fake Identity cards in even Opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu. Most checking is taking place in Tamil Nadu. Our internal security has been threatened by the fake I-card holders. Around 40 lakh migrant Bengalis have been forced to work in other states and they are also in trouble for fake ID holders.
BJP resorting to "soft Hindutva"
There is no soft or hard Hindutva. Trinamool government is destroying pluralism and multiculturalism in West Bengal because it resorts to politics of hate. Radicalism has no place in West Bengal and will never be accepted. This is the last election for Bengali Hindus and progressive Muslims to prevent West Bengal from becoming "West Bangladesh". Hindi-speaking people, who have come from outside and settled here, cannot be dismissed as Hindi speaking but they are also Bengalis. All those living here from Bengal are Bengalis.
On 2026 assembly elections
In the upcoming election, poll results are not in the hands of any political party but people. The public has decided that the Trinamool will not come to power again. Every election has its own share of challenges. But this time the challenge lies in the hands of people of Bengal. For the majority Hindus, this is the last election. This is the last election for the educated minorities as well who are originally from Bengal.
Trinamool Congress will be defeated. Their 'bisarjan" (offering Durga idols in water on last day of Durga puja) is imminent.
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