Interview/ Samik Bhattacharya, BJP West Bengal president
Q/ What is the plus factor for BJP this time?
A/ This election is about the restoration of democracy. In 2011, Mamata Banerjee came to power promising democratic restoration after 34 years of left rule. People voted for her with that hope. But today, we believe the situation has become worse. Institutions have weakened, the administration has become politicised, and democratic rights are under pressure.
Public sentiment favours the BJP. There is anger, frustration and a desire for change among people.
Q/ When you say democracy is under threat in Bengal, what are the specific issues you are referring to?
A/ Look at the local body elections, look at the panchayat elections, look at political violence, these are not isolated incidents. The opposition often cannot file nominations, polling agents are threatened and the administration often acts in a partisan manner. This creates fear among voters. There is also the issue of corruption. Recruitment scams, teacher recruitment, municipal jobs, land scams, illegal sand mining, these are not small allegations. When corruption becomes institutionalised, governance collapses. Law and order is another major issue. Political violence has become normalised. After the 2021 elections, several BJP workers were killed. Women workers came on camera and spoke about atrocities. Whether one belongs to the BJP, the TMC, the left, or the Congress, political violence should have no place in a democracy.
Q/ Mamata Banerjee has alleged that women and minority voters are being targeted through electoral roll revision.
A/ The Election Commission is a constitutional body. If any political party believes that the commission is acting in a biased manner, the proper forum is the courts. You cannot delegitimise a constitutional body just because the process does not suit your politics. Earlier, Mamata Banerjee said minorities were being targeted. Now she says women are being targeted. Tomorrow she may say youth are being targeted. These are political statements meant to create a narrative. Our position is simple: genuine voters should be on the electoral roll, and fake voters should be removed.
Q/ The BJP has given an election ticket to the mother of the R.G. Kar rape and murder victim. The Trinamool says this is politicising a tragedy.
A/ The issue is not politics, the issue is justice and accountability. The victim’s mother came forward on her own. She said she wants justice for her daughter and she wants to fight so that no other family has to go through what she has suffered. If a citizen who has suffered such a tragedy wants to enter public life to seek justice and bring change, what is wrong with that? Politics is not a closed club. Democracy allows every citizen to participate. If someone who has suffered injustice wants to raise her voice in the assembly, it should be seen as a democratic expression, not politicisation.