The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has outlined its strategy to maintain peace in West Bengal following the recent assembly elections. A senior party leader disclosed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally intervened to ensure calm and prevent violence.
PM Modi's Directives for Peace
According to the BJP leader, Prime Minister Modi called on the day of the results and issued clear instructions: nothing that could foment divisive tendencies or violence should be uttered. He even specified words that party leaders and workers must avoid. Modi also emphasized that not a single opposition party office should be destroyed.
Addressing Allegations of Post-Poll Violence
The opposition has alleged post-poll violence and moved the court, citing visuals of bulldozers demolishing Trinamool Congress (TMC) offices in Kolkata. The BJP leader explained that the party has followed a policy of 'change, not revenge' in Bengal. He claimed that since the result day, there has been no case of murder, gang rape, or nude parade, contrasting with the 2021 post-election scenario. He attributed the demolition incidents to TMC workers attacking their own factional rivals during the transition period, adding that the administration needs a few more days to crack down on such elements.
Restoring Democratic Process
The BJP has promised to restore democracy in the state. The leader noted that while the party could easily topple many municipal bodies, it believes in plurality and political discourse. He criticized TMC workers for painting their party office saffron and handing over keys to BJP leaders, calling it unhealthy for democracy. He emphasized the importance of respecting the right to decide, citing historical examples like the Chola and Lichhavi dynasties that used voting systems.
Uniform Civil Code and 'Detect, Delete, Deport'
The BJP aims to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), but the timeline will be decided by the Chief Minister. On demographic concerns, the party will follow a policy of 'detect, delete, and deport' to address radicalization. However, the leader clarified that Muslim Indian citizens have nothing to fear, noting that during Covid, 1,500 Muslim families in Basirhat stayed at RSS camps for months when the state government failed to support them.
Biggest Challenge: Meeting Aspirations
The biggest challenge for the new government is meeting the aspirations of the people, who have long prayed for good governance and development. The leader warned that failure to fulfill expectations could lead to resentment, unlike the 2011 transition when one repressive regime was replaced by another. He stated that the election was a rejection of the previous government, and the new administration must work to win hearts.
Ensuring Good Governance
The BJP maintains synergy between the party and government, with the Chief Minister and state president working in tandem. However, the party will not recommend transfers of officers or interfere in daily functioning. The party manifesto will outline the core philosophy of governance.
Economic Revival and Investments
Despite a debt burden of around Rs 7.9 lakh crore, the state has potential for revenue generation. The leader highlighted rare earth minerals in Purulia, oil reserves in Ashoknagar, and manganese and gold reserves in Bankura and Kalimpong. He criticized Bengal for becoming a consumer state rather than a producer and expressed confidence in attracting heavy industries and big-ticket investments. However, he acknowledged that exiting the debt trap will take time but remains a priority.
