Amit Shah to Attend BJP Nomination Filings in South Kolkata, Challenging TMC Stronghold
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to be present during the filing of nominations for two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in south Kolkata on Thursday. The candidates are Suvendu Adhikari in the Bhowanipore constituency and Swapan Dasgupta in the Rashbehari constituency.
Strategic Visit and Roadshow
Shah, who is likely to arrive in Kolkata on Wednesday night, will also lead a significant roadshow from Hazra Park to Survey Building. This move is widely interpreted as a direct challenge to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in its traditional stronghold of south Kolkata.
BJP leaders have emphasized that the focus on Bhowanipore is a deliberate strategy to confront Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is contesting from this constituency. This is not Shah's first visit to the area; before the 2021 assembly polls, he participated in a door-to-door campaign here.
"By camping in the CM's own backyard, the party aims to project that no Trinamool seat is invincible," said a Bengal BJP leader. "Moreover, it will also counter the 'Bengal's daughter' narrative spun by TMC in the area," he added.
Campaign Activities and Voter Engagement
Ahead of Shah's visit, Suvendu Adhikari conducted a door-to-door campaign in Bhowanipore on Wednesday. Expressing confidence in his victory, Adhikari criticized the Trinamool-led state government for alleged corruption. He also mentioned a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner of Police, stating that this officer would soon be arrested.
During his campaign, Adhikari, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, encountered "Joy Bangla" slogans from supporters.
In Bhowanipore, where approximately 34% of the population has roots in Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan, Shah's presence is expected to bolster the traditional BJP base. The party has been actively engaging the Sikh community in this constituency.
Similarly, in Rashbehari, the BJP is targeting the middle-class "Bhadralok" vote by focusing on issues such as industrial stagnation and the decline of civic infrastructure.
Political Rhetoric and Accusations
State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya commented on Trinamool's tactics, saying, "Trinamool has come out with posters written in Gujarati. People don't trust such ploys anymore."
While the Trinamool Congress has dismissed Shah's visits as "political tourism" and labeled him an "outsider," BJP leaders argue that his presence in these specific areas indicates a broader goal. They claim the party is not merely seeking a high seat count but aiming for a fundamental shift in the political landscape of West Bengal.
BJP's Promises and Allegations
Meanwhile, the BJP released five "guarantees" for the state on Wednesday. These promises include better civic amenities and infrastructure, improved law and order, restoration of cultural heritage, and ensuring social justice.
Bhattacharya also made serious allegations, stating that names of Hindu voters had been selectively deleted in Kolkata. "If such things continue, we won't be in favour of going to polls. We will take it to the streets then," he warned.
This visit by Amit Shah underscores the intense political competition in Kolkata as the BJP seeks to make inroads into Trinamool's bastion, setting the stage for a heated electoral battle.
