In a strong reaffirmation of his allegiance, West Bengal's Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari declared on Thursday his complete dedication to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He stated he is prepared to forgo contesting the upcoming assembly elections if the party desires, focusing entirely on campaigning to ensure a BJP victory in the state.
A Pledge of Unconditional Commitment
Addressing a gathering at the National Library in Kolkata during an event commemorating former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birthday, Adhikari left no room for doubt about his priorities. "I am committed to BJP. If the party asks me not to contest the polls and only campaign, I am ready to take that responsibility," he asserted. He emphasized that the BJP's national ascendancy would remain incomplete without securing West Bengal.
The event was attended by senior state BJP leaders, including the party's West Bengal president, Samik Bhattacharya. Adhikari's remarks are seen as a strategic move to quell internal discord and present a unified front ahead of the crucial 2026 state assembly elections.
Three Types of Entrants: Defining His Own Space
In a candid analysis, Adhikari categorized politicians who have joined the BJP in Bengal into three distinct groups. He described the first section as those who joined solely to secure a BJP ticket for elections, with many later defecting after winning or losing.
The second category, according to him, comprises leaders who sought refuge in the BJP after being stripped of power or posts in their previous parties, using it as a base to continue political activities.
Positioning himself distinctly, Adhikari claimed to belong to the third group—individuals who relinquished posts and power willingly to work for the party's ideology. He recalled joining the BJP in December 2020 on the invitation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and then-state president Dilip Ghosh, ahead of the 2021 polls. "Many of those who had earlier joined BJP have fled. I will not desert the party. We will put up a united fight," he vowed.
Context and Party Unity Ahead of 2026
Adhikari's rapid rise within the Bengal BJP has coincided with a perceived decline in the influence of several established leaders, including former president Dilip Ghosh. His latest statements are interpreted as an effort to bridge gaps between old-timers and newer entrants, preventing internal bickering from hampering the party's challenge against the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Echoing the theme of resilience, state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya, also present at the event, highlighted the party's journey in Bengal from a political non-entity to the principal opposition. He credited Atal Bihari Vajpayee with foreseeing the BJP's growth in the state. "We have fought in Bengal despite being aware of a possible defeat. While Trinamool has changed alliances, we have not swayed from our political stance," Bhattacharya stated, drawing a contrast with the TMC.
As the political battleground for 2026 begins to heat up, Adhikari's unequivocal declaration sets the stage for the BJP's campaign strategy, emphasizing sacrifice and unity as its core tenets to unseat the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
