A significant shift in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) political messaging in West Bengal was on full display yesterday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a public rally in Durgapur, prominently invoked chants of “Jai Ma Durga” and “Jai Ma Kali.”
This move, a notable departure from the party’s usual “Jai Shri Ram” rallying cry, has been swiftly interpreted by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as a sign of their growing cultural influence in the state. The strategic turn even prompted a humorous, yet pointed, “dhokla jibe” from TMC MP Mahua Moitra on social media.
BJP’s Emphasized “Matri Shakti” in Durgapur Rally
Yesterday’s rally in Durgapur saw Prime Minister Modi not only greet the gathering with the new chants but also feature the imagery of Maa Kali prominently on stage. This aligns with an earlier observation from when Samik Bhattacharya was felicitated as the Bengal president of BJP, where the presence of Maa Kali’s image on stage had already sparked discussions about the party’s evolving strategy in the state.
Kicking off his speech, Prime Minister Modi reportedly initiated with “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” followed by the resounding “Jai Ma Durga, Jai Ma Kali.” Beyond the vocal invocations, the BJP’s official invitation for the Durgapur event also carried the words “Jai Ma Durga” and “Jai Ma Kali,” indicating a deliberate and calculated strategic shift in their outreach to the Bengali populace.
TMC Claims Victory, Highlights “Change” in PM Modi
Seizing on what they perceive as an opportunity, the Trinamool Congress wasted no time in strongly taking up the issue. Kunal Ghosh, TMC spokesperson, was quick to react. “The prime minister says he wants development. But what does development mean? It means Mamata Banerjee and her government—Maa, Mati, Manush.
It was there, it is there, and it will remain,” Ghosh asserted. “But what has changed? PM Modi. Earlier it was Jai Shri Ram, now it has become Jai Ma Kali. Has PM Modi changed so much? They used to say Mamata Banerjee does not celebrate Durga Puja. Now, 11 years after becoming PM, Bengal has changed him.” Ghosh further underscored the point by noting, “One good thing we observed was that ‘Jai Shri Ram’ was not uttered even once.”
Insiders within the TMC suggest that the party plans to solidify a narrative that the BJP, which once aggressively pushed the “Jai Shri Ram” slogan, has now been compelled to adopt chants like “Jai Ma Kali” and “Jai Ma Durga” due to the TMC’s deep roots and understanding of Bengali culture. The aim is to position the TMC as the authentic voice of Bengal, while portraying the BJP as an outsider merely attempting to mimic local traditions.
Mahua Moitra’s “Dhokla Jibe” Goes Viral
Adding a distinct flavor to the political discourse, outspoken Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra delivered a characteristic jibe via her X handle. Reacting to the BJP’s shift, Moitra posted: “From ‘Jai Shri Ram’ to ‘Jai Ma Kali’ – seems like someone’s finally tasting some Bengali Dhokla! 😉 #BengalElections #CulturalShift”. The tweet quickly garnered attention, offering a humorous yet pointed commentary on the BJP’s perceived cultural adaptation in Bengal.
Analysts Debate BJP’s “Bengali Asmita” Strategy
However, not all political analysts fully subscribe to the TMC’s “compelled change” theory. Another section of experts argues that the BJP’s strategy is a deliberate move to connect with Bengali asmita (pride), drawing parallels with their approach in Odisha, though acknowledging significant differences between the state models. Over the past decade, the BJP has consistently attempted to align itself with Bengali cultural identity. This renewed emphasis on divine feminine power and Bengali cultural heritage, including the Bengali Renaissance, is seen as a concerted effort to appeal to the bhadra lok (educated middle class).
Experts contend that chants like “Jai Ma Kali” and “Jai Ma Durga” resonate profoundly with the masses of Bengal, making them effective tools for establishing a deeper cultural connect. They clarify, however, that this does not necessarily mean “Jai Shri Ram” is losing its relevance. They highlight that Bengal’s biggest festival, Durga Puja, has its mythological roots in Akalabodhana the worship of Goddess Durga by Lord Ram thus maintaining a strong narrative link between the two.