The nation watched the celebration of Netaji at Victoria Memorial Hall, when Mamata declined to address, miffed by slogan-shouting by a few from the rear, ‘Jai Sri Ram.’ It is a matter of debate about what was more offensive, whether the provocative sloganeering or Mamata’s reprimand to all those present, in chaste Hindi!
Mamata had waded through the stormy chit fund scams and Narada sting involving her colleagues and come out successfully. However, her party legislators deserting her and her party on one or other grounds were unplanned. It is perceived that a few more could join the BJP during Amit Shah’s visit on the 30th January.
The problematic part is regardless of which party wins; it will largely consist of known players. BJP is trying to build its strength engineering defections, indicating that it does not have enough ideal faces. Breaking TMC cannot be the only goal for a national party, aiming to win the elections. Neither should it rely only on the Modi-magic to turn the wave into its favour.
Suvendu was a prize catch. I guess not there would be as strong a grass-root level leader switching over to the BJP. The rest who would join the BJP may not strengthen it but might merely weaken the TMC.
There is also a large segment of quieter, middle-class Bengalis, who might have wished a change after ten years of scams and corruption. But their supporting the BJP as an alternative seems to be a serious question. People detest the noisy brigade of BJP cadres, who would become future syndicates. Only the colour of the flags would change.
Alternatively, in a quadrilateral fight, TMC, BJP, the Congress and the Left and now the ISF, none may have an absolute majority. The post-poll alliance between all the rest, save the BJP will bring the warring factions together and demand their share in every pie.
The National minders and leaders, who are camping here will all pack off to their homes soon after the elections, Bengal left with known BJP leaders. Save a very few they fail to impress as a party who could carry effective governance, dismantling the corrupt structures and rebuilding the State. Have they presented a positive economic plan, a foresight into industrial revival, on streamlining education and healthcare? I have not come across any!
The literati in the BJP must also spend time, besides spreading juicy stories or retorts to every silly remark or actions by the opposition. Like most, I want a change as well, but has BJP matured in the State to provide inclusive growth? A magical face thrust as the CM may not turn around the rot that has seeped in the system.
I must wait for 2026 to see if Bengal wakes up.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
