BJP Banking On Bengal-Based Leaders For 2026 Poll Campaign
Observers suggest that this tactical pivot reflects a recognition of the need for stronger local resonance
With the Bengal assembly elections to be held in 2026, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have demonstrably begun to lay the groundwork for what promises to be another high-stakes electoral battle. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Mamata Banerjee effectively set the tone for their respective parties, actively engaging in strategies designed to energise their cadres and sway the electorate.
The BJP, in particular, is signalling a significant shift in its campaign playbook for West Bengal. Sources indicate a deliberate move to empower and prioritise Bengal-based leaders to spearhead the ground campaign. This strategy aims to ensure that leaders deeply rooted in the state's cultural fabric will drive door-to-door outreach and orchestrate large-scale campaign events. While national 'star campaigners" like Prime Minister Modi and union home minister Amit Shah will maintain their usual impactful visits, the party plans to reduce the reliance on leaders brought in from other states. The emphasis, this time, is squarely on Bengali or Bangla-bhashi leaders to connect more organically with the local populace.
Observers suggest that this tactical pivot reflects a recognition of the need for stronger local resonance. Any election for the BJP typically involves massive logistical planning and the deployment of teams from across the country to the target state. However, for Bengal 2026, leaders with stronger Bengali connections are being strategically prioritised. Names currently circulating as potential key campaigners include Tripura chief minister Manik Saha and MP Biplab Deb, both with strong regional appeal. Assam's Pabitra Margherita, known for his Bengali heritage, is also likely to be involved, alongside Jharkhand's Annapurna Devi and former union minister Smriti Irani, who has cultivated a notable rapport with the people of Bengal.
This strategic adjustment aligns with Prime Minister Modi's recent directive on Friday, urging party workers to focus intensely on the 'Bengali asmita" (pride) agenda. During a rally in Durgapur, PM Modi emphasised the BJP's commitment to Bengal's identity, history, and development, directly countering the TMC's narrative. He began his address with traditional Bengali chants of 'Jai Ma Kali, Jai Ma Durga" and accused the TMC of hindering Bengal's progress while encouraging illegal infiltration.
Party insiders further affirm that the over 50 BJP MLAs currently holding seats in the assembly will play a crucial role, working diligently to retain their constituencies and serving as vital grassroots connectors in the upcoming campaign.
The TMC, under chief minister Mamata Banerjee, is also actively consolidating its base, with party leaders like Abhishek Banerjee setting ambitious targets for a fourth consecutive term, promising to counter the BJP's narrative and protect Bengal's interests.
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First Published:
July 20, 2025, 07:00 IST
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