Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day visit to Kolkata has intensified political tensions in West Bengal, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Shah arrived in Kolkata on Saturday evening and will engage in a series of activities on Sunday. His itinerary includes inaugurating a new facility at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and addressing a gathering of BJP leaders and supporters at Netaji Indoor Stadium.
Sources suggest that Shah will outline the party’s roadmap for the upcoming elections during this event. Additionally, speculation surrounds discussions regarding the appointment of a new state BJP president, as Dr. Sukanta Majumder’s term has been extended. However, the BJP has not issued an official statement on this matter.
In a gesture acknowledging Bengal’s rich cultural heritage, Shah will also visit the residence of Swami Vivekananda on Simla Street to pay homage before departing for Delhi on Sunday evening.
BJP’s Strategy for the 2026 Assembly Elections
The visit underscores the BJP’s strategic focus on the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal. Shah has emphasized the party’s goal of winning a two-thirds majority, targeting issues such as infiltration, corruption, and women’s safety. He has urged party workers to enroll one crore members in the state, aiming to strengthen the BJP’s grassroots presence. Shah has also criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led government for alleged state-sponsored infiltration and corruption, positioning the BJP as the alternative for a “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal)
Political Tensions: BJP vs TMC
The visit has sparked a war of words between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). TMC Minister Sashi Panja criticized the BJP’s “Operation Sindoor,” accusing the party of politicizing women’s issues for electoral gain. She dismissed BJP leaders as “seasonal visitors” attempting to sway Bengal’s voters without genuine commitment.
In response, Dr. Sukanta Majumder defended the BJP’s agenda, stating that Shah’s visit would provide a clear blueprint for the 2026 elections. He described the BJP’s efforts as “Operation Bengal,” a mission to uphold the honor of Bengal’s women, likening it to “Operation Sindoor.” Majumder emphasized that Shah’s meetings with mandal presidents and senior leaders would galvanize the party’s grassroots efforts.
As Shah’s visit approaches, the escalating political discourse underscores the high stakes in West Bengal’s political landscape, setting the stage for a heated electoral showdown.
