The political space in the state of West Bengal is a highly contested one. The Indian National Congress (INC) occupied prominence post-Independence, then Left ruled over formore than three decades, followed with Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led Government for ten years. At the present juncture, the state of Bengal has the upcoming Assembly elections and one can easily sense the rise of Saffron in the State. The Saffron wave is a strong indication that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is quite close to achieving a clear mandate and form a strong government in the State. The anarchy, failure of governance, corruption, mafia-led syndicate, loss of faith of people, lack of women security and jobs, distorted economic policies, political appeasement and various scams have brought the collapse of the incumbent government.
BJP’s Growing Popularity
Through Bengal’s political discourse, one sees a whole terrain of political actions that have always raised the discourse on national identity. Bengal’s symbolic politics under the ruling party has moved to an appeasement policy that embodies suppression and tyranny. The attitude of TMC towards the people has created a dire need for a change in Bengal’s political structure. The growing popularity of the BJP in Bengal seems indisputable not only because of the party’s austere political orientation but because of its move towards a constructive ideology in political functioning. The constructivism in the symbolic politics of BJP aims at fostering a collective or common identity for the people of Bengal through collective action. This identity formation that was long curbed under the tyrant rule of TMC is strategically initiated to put an end to the city’s febrile atmosphere. Even in this digital era of the 21st century, under the rule of Mamata Banerjee, the common people of Bengal are plagued by poverty and hunger, whether they are farmers of the state or the common people. The State Government has not formulated any new policy for jobs, industries, or business. Her whole focus is one-community appeasement and vote-bank. As a result, the situation of state has deteriorated to a great extent.
The rise of BJP seems like a ray of hope for people as under Mamata Banerjee’s rule, State’s development is seeing extreme stagnancy in policy-making, industrial development, and employment opportunities. The demography of Bengal is constantly distorted, and security is being compromised due to the constant shelter being provided to illegal immigrants in large numbers from Bangladesh
Threat to Ruling Dispensation
Tracing the political dynamics of West Bengal that has undergone severe and enormous transformations, one can certainly assert that the BJP at present stands as a principal threat to the ruling party. The party’s functionality is par excellence because of the constructivist approach that believes in one reality, which emerges via social and grassroots interaction. Gone are the days when the people of Bengal would move mountains for Mamata Banerjee. Now, they feel marginalised, cheated, stifled, and oppressed. The rise of BJP seems like a ray of hope for people as under Mamata Banerjee’s rule, State’s development is seeing extreme stagnancy in policy-making, industrial development, and employment opportunities.
The demography of Bengal is constantly distorted, and security is being compromised due to the constant shelter being provided to illegal immigrants in large numbers from Bangladesh. Immigrants’ mushrooming in different parts of West Bengal is nothing new. They are given identity and shelter, but the worrisome part is the rising crime syndicate. It has been found that West Bengal and Tripura top the list of having highest number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Citing NCRB data, MoS for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in his reply in Rajya Sabha has expressed concern over Bangladeshi’s who stayed in India crossing the validity of their visa dates. The numbers being 25,942, 49,645 and 35,055 in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. The challenge is substantial given both population explosion, security risk and demographic change. The people of West Bengal have made up their minds to throw away such appeasement politics away from their State, which will be reflected through their votes in the upcoming elections.
The people of Bengal have now risen from the deep sleep of ignorance and want parivartan in the State. The living example of people wanting change is the gathering of people who have emerged in the rallies organised by the BJP in Bengal in the recent past. The people of Bengal have recognised the dictatorial image of Mamata Banerjee where human rights are being violated along with the freedom to speech.
BJP’s North Kolkata District president Shibaji Singha Roy sustained injuries after he along with other party leaders including Suvendu Adhikari and Shankudeb Panda were attacked allegedly by TMC cadres at Phoolbagan. Roy has been admitted to a hospital
Total of more than 110 BJP leaders and activists have been killed so far in Mamata Banerjee’s rule in Bengal. The killings have picked up speed since the introduction of unlock on June 1. In August and September 2020, there were reports of 12 political activists killed in political clashes, of which half a dozen workers belonged to BJP.
Liquidating Political Rivals
Losing the battle with BJP might sound illusionary but seeing the current situation in Bengal, ranging from substandard interiors of the city to the faulty minds filled with corruption and greed, one can sense the growing sense of dislike and hate among the people for the ruling party. To one’s utmost shock, according to a report, a total of more than 110 BJP leaders and activists have been killed so far in Mamata Banerjee’s rule in Bengal. The killings have picked up speed since the introduction of unlock on June 1. In August and September 2020, there were reports of 12 political activists killed in political clashes, of which half a dozen workers belonged to BJP.
The amalgamation of cultural, social, religious, economic and political solidarity in present-day West Bengal in unanimity with BJP is evident through the ongoing ‘Parivartan yatra’, Krishok Surokha Abhijan, Musthi Bhiksha Abhiyan, and rallies. The Parivartan Yatra of the BJP is received with celebrations, joy and warmth across Bengal, especially in the rural part of the State the reception is unprecedented. Given the current scenario, West Bengal’s people have made their mind to change the ruling dispensation and bring BJP to power.
The rise of vibrant culture through different campaigning, sloganeering, yatras, and jaunts has coloured the city with the unity that was long lost in Bengal. The ruling party’s functioning seems futile as loopholes can be seen in the political /organisational functioning and the grant of democratic rights of the people of Bengal. The absence of space for articulation in the present atmosphere hovers with the constant fear of attack, torture, and violence.
Now, Bengal needs a strong government in whose eyes every citizen of the State is equal, and there should be no discrimination between them. The BJP can only form a strong government under the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The immense support generated by the BJP among the common man in the State is indicative of this.
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