Mazumdar Signals BJP’s Assertive Tone Ahead of Elections

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | Kolkata | July 10, 2025 : 

On the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, observed across India with spiritual reverence, political undertones surfaced at Nigmanand Ashram in Halishahar, where Dr. Sukant Majumdar, former West Bengal BJP state president and Member of Parliament, addressed a gathering of devotees and supporters. While paying homage to the guru tradition, Majumdar also used the occasion to voice strong political concerns, delivering a sharp critique of the current West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the administration of Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor Firhad Hakim.

Majumdar began his address by acknowledging the spiritual significance of the day, stating, “We have all gathered here to seek blessings on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima.” However, he swiftly pivoted to the socio-political climate in the state, expressing deep dissatisfaction. “My heart feels heavy looking at the condition of West Bengal. While the Chief Minister continues to deliver eloquent speeches, no meaningful work is reaching the people. The state is now mired in rampant corruption and has become a hotbed of money laundering,” he said, voicing concerns that have been echoed across various opposition platforms in recent months.

He reserved particularly pointed criticism for Mayor Firhad Hakim, stating, “The mayor talks constantly about development, yet the realities on the ground — from worsening sewage conditions in Kolkata to increasing civic neglect — tell a different story. Development cannot be claimed merely through photo opportunities and decorative festoons; it must be demonstrated through honest, sustained public service.”

Responding to media queries following his speech, Majumdar was also asked about recent remarks made by senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, who is known for his outspoken nature. Clarifying the party’s stance, Majumdar responded calmly, “Dilip da is a senior and experienced leader of our party. His contributions are valuable, and there is no controversy surrounding his statements. In our party, every member has the right to express individual opinions freely.”

Political analysts view this public address as indicative of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s increasingly assertive posture in West Bengal as the state approaches the next assembly elections. What made the moment particularly significant was the platform on which it was delivered — a religious gathering, generally considered apolitical and solemn in nature. Majumdar’s decision to voice political concerns on such a spiritually significant day highlights both the urgency and the strategy behind the BJP’s outreach, signaling a potential fusion of cultural and political narratives in the party’s campaign ahead.

The remarks have since drawn considerable attention in political circles, where it is being interpreted as part of the BJP’s escalating criticism of the ruling Trinamool Congress government. With issues like corruption, poor urban infrastructure, and public grievances becoming recurrent themes in opposition discourse, the party appears to be leveraging every platform — including religious and community events — to build momentum.

While maintaining compliance with constitutional values and democratic expression, Majumdar’s speech, delivered in a respectful and lawful manner, added another layer to the complex and evolving political scenario in West Bengal. As the electoral atmosphere intensifies, such addresses could play a significant role in shaping public discourse and voter sentiment.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, July 10, 2025 : In a significant and measured departure from the prevailing tone of political discourse, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shamik Bhattacharya has reaffirmed his commitment to ideological politics, cautioning against personal attacks and divisive rhetoric. Launching what many are calling a new chapter in state BJP politics, Bhattacharya made it clear that for him, politics is a clash of principles—not personalities.

Speaking to reporters, Bhattacharya identified West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the BJP’s principal political opponent. However, he strongly opposed engaging in personal attacks against her, asserting, “Mamata Banerjee is the main opponent. However, attacking her personally is not the work of politics. Politics means a fight of one ideology with another ideology, a clash of one program with a counter-program.” His remarks stand in stark contrast to the aggressive and often personal tone taken by a section of BJP leaders, especially those from the newer crop of state leadership.

In a further attempt to reframe the party’s image, Bhattacharya also addressed the minority communities directly, urging them not to see the BJP as an adversary. This message, seen as an effort to distance himself from religion-based polarisation, aligns with his broader narrative of inclusive, issue-based politics. Political observers note that his appeal is likely aimed at dismantling longstanding apprehensions about the BJP among minority groups in Bengal.

Bhattacharya’s comments are being widely viewed as a rebuke—though implicit—of the confrontational and Hindutva-driven approach espoused by leaders like Suvendu Adhikari, who have regularly courted controversy with provocative statements against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In contrast, Shamik’s tone has been described by political commentators as “grounded,” “rational,” and “more mature,” reflective of a faction within the BJP that favours ideological clarity over inflammatory theatrics.

According to political analysts, Bhattacharya represents a growing divide within the state BJP—between those who advocate combative identity politics and those pushing for a more constructive, policy-driven opposition. “The ideological divide within the BJP is becoming more pronounced. Shamik is a healthy example of it,” said one political expert, underscoring the broader implications of this internal evolution within the party.

However, as Bhattacharya takes this relatively rare path of moderation within the high-pitched environment of Bengal politics, a lingering question remains—how long will this politics of tolerance and ideological discourse be sustainable in the face of rising factionalism? And more importantly, will his voice of restraint and ideological focus gain enough traction within the saffron camp to influence its direction ahead of the next electoral battles?

For now, Shamik Bhattacharya’s positioning marks a notable shift and may signal an emerging rethink in the BJP’s Bengal strategy—one that could either redefine or isolate his brand of politics in the months to come.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, July 10, 2025 : West Bengal’s political landscape witnessed fresh turbulence following a violent attack on State Library Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury during a preparatory visit for the upcoming Trinamool Congress (TMC) Martyrs’ Day rally, scheduled for July 21. The incident occurred on July 3, 2025, in Monteswar, Purba Bardhaman, where a section of alleged party workers, some armed with brooms, waved black flags and attacked the minister’s convoy. Chowdhury’s car was targeted in front of the police, his driver sustained injuries, and the minister himself narrowly escaped harm.

Following the attack, Chowdhury expressed grave dissatisfaction with the law enforcement response, stating that the local police had prior knowledge of a possible threat but failed to act in time. In the immediate aftermath, he named Ahmed Hussain Shek, President of the Monteswar Panchayat Samiti, as the alleged mastermind behind the assault, branding him a “known anti-social element.”

Deeply aggrieved, Minister Chowdhury initially announced his intention to resign, declaring, “If those responsible are not thrown out of the party, I will leave. I will gather 20 lakh people for a rally.” His statement added significant pressure to an already sensitive situation, especially with the TMC intensifying preparations for its flagship July 21 event. 

Chowdhury, known for his influential role in mobilising public support, had previously led protests on the Waqf law issue that had disrupted city functioning, underlining his capacity to stir mass mobilisations.

The incident prompted swift political and administrative response. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally intervened, calling the minister the day after the incident and assuring him of strict action against the perpetrators. According to sources at Nabanna, the Chief Minister’s call lasted around five minutes, during which she reportedly reiterated the state administration’s commitment to justice. This assurance ultimately led the minister to retract his resignation and reaffirm his association with the party.

Minister Chowdhury later confirmed that the Chief Minister had assured him that strong disciplinary and legal measures would be taken wherever such incidents occurred. “Seven people have been arrested. I have submitted the names of those involved to the police. The administration knows who the offenders are. The Chief Minister said strict action will be taken anywhere such incidents happen,” Chowdhury stated, indicating a renewed confidence in the state’s response mechanisms.

Police have arrested seven individuals so far in connection with the case and filed FIRs against 41 others. One of the arrested persons is reportedly linked to the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), further complicating the internal dynamics of the ruling party. The attack, allegedly orchestrated by disgruntled party workers from Chowdhury’s own constituency, highlights growing factionalism within local TMC ranks.

The gravity of the incident also caught the attention of senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim, who reached out to the minister over the phone. Chowdhury, who had been on the verge of resigning from both ministerial duties and party membership, softened his stance following Hakim’s intervention, eventually reaffirming his commitment after speaking to the Chief Minister.

Minister Chowdhury, clearly shaken but resolute, also met with the Superintendent of Police to lodge a formal complaint. He emphasised that if a state minister could be attacked in broad daylight, it raised serious concerns about the safety and faith of the general public in law enforcement. “If a minister is not safe, how will ordinary people trust the police to protect them?” he questioned, underscoring the broader implications of the incident on public confidence in state governance.

This episode, coming just weeks before the politically significant July 21 rally, has put the TMC leadership on high alert. While the Chief Minister’s quick response has helped to de-escalate immediate tensions, the incident has exposed rifts within the party and raised questions about internal discipline and grassroots control. With key leaders like Siddiqullah Chowdhury playing crucial roles in maintaining support bases, ensuring their protection and confidence remains vital for the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.

As the investigation continues and the administration pledges firm action, all eyes remain on how the ruling party manages internal dissent while preparing for one of its most symbolic political gatherings of the year.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 8, 2025, Kolkata : Political temperatures in West Bengal have risen once again following a sharp exchange between former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The controversy began when Banerjee criticized the Assam government’s actions concerning the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and its alleged implications in West Bengal.

The issue arose when Assam’s Foreigners Tribunal issued an NRC notice to Uttam Kumar Brajbasi, a resident of Cooch Behar, who belongs to the Rajbangshi community. In a strongly-worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Mamata Banerjee expressed her outrage, calling the action “a planned attack on democracy.” 

She accused the ruling BJP government in Assam of attempting to impose NRC in West Bengal, a state where the BJP has limited influence. Banerjee denounced the move as part of a larger “dirty conspiracy” to intimidate and disenfranchise marginalized communities. The Chief Minister called the NRC imposition unconstitutional and urged opposition parties to unite against what she described as the BJP’s divisive and oppressive tactics.

Dilip Ghosh, who has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a possible defection to the Trinamool Congress, responded directly to Mamata’s post. Through a message on X, Ghosh took a firm stance, stating, “NRC is a law. If the Chief Minister has something to say, then do not trend on social media and proceed through the administrative path.” His comment, while addressing the NRC controversy, also seemed to dispel rumors regarding his alleged plans to join the Trinamool. Political insiders suggest that his statement served as a clear indication that Ghosh had no intentions of aligning with the ruling party.

Adding to the intrigue, Ghosh later met with the newly appointed state BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya at the party office in Salt Lake. After the meeting, Ghosh affirmed his commitment to the BJP’s mission in West Bengal, declaring his support for Bhattacharya as they set their sights on “cleansing” the Trinamool Congress from Bengal in the upcoming 2026 elections. This statement further reinforces Ghosh’s position within the BJP, putting to rest any speculation about a shift in political allegiance.

As the political drama unfolds, it remains clear that the battle for control of West Bengal is intensifying, with both the BJP and Trinamool Congress gearing up for a significant showdown in the near future.

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | July 5, 2025 | Kolkata :  The political situation within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is becoming increasingly tense as internal disputes continue to surface. Rajnya Haldar, a former leader of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) and an outspoken critic of the current party dynamics, has escalated matters by accusing certain members of the student wing of sharing indecent, AI-generated images of her. This follows the growing controversy surrounding the Manojit Mishra case, a gangrape incident involving a law student, which has further deepened divisions within the party. Haldar’s allegations have caused unease within the TMC, as her revelations seem to amplify the party’s internal struggles, particularly concerning issues of misogyny.

Haldar, who served as the TMCP president at Jadavpur University before being suspended in October 2024, has long been vocal about gender discrimination. Her suspension followed a social media post about a short film she had starred in, which depicted violence against women. The film, which mirrored the rape-murder of a medical student at R.G. Kar Hospital in August 2024, sparked widespread controversy. Despite her suspension, Haldar has remained an outspoken figure, condemning gender-based violence and fighting for women’s rights, even within her own political circles.

On Friday, Haldar took to the media to accuse some student leaders of circulating offensive AI-generated images of her, which she claims were intended to tarnish her reputation. “There are many Monojit Mishras within the TMCP,” she said, referring to the primary suspect in the law student’s gangrape case. Haldar asserted that these individuals use such images to blackmail female members of the student wing by offering them influential positions in exchange for compliance.

In response, the TMCP leadership denied these allegations, stating that Haldar had never reported such issues to them before. Trinankur Bhattacharya, the state president of TMCP, emphasized that if any evidence of misconduct was provided, the party would conduct an internal investigation and take appropriate action. “She had never brought up the issue with me in the past,” Bhattacharya remarked. Senior TMC minister Firhad Hakim, when questioned about the situation, also claimed ignorance of the specific allegations but reassured that the party and government maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women. “We take strict action against anyone found guilty of misconduct,” Hakim stated.

Haldar, however, was unwavering in her criticism, emphasizing that misogynistic behavior is not confined to any single party or group. “These misogynistic males should not be identified with any particular party,” she remarked, underlining that such behavior transcends political affiliations. She expressed frustration with the way women are often sidelined and undermined within the political structure. “They undermine women’s merit, hard work, and determination,” she said.

Along with addressing internal party issues, Haldar also discussed concerns regarding urban and environmental issues in Kolkata. She announced that the Borough offices and Horticulture Department would conduct a thorough inspection of all trees in the city, especially around Rabindra Sarovar and Subhash Sarovar, in light of a recent incident in Howrah. She proposed a citywide tree audit to ensure that no trees pose a risk to public safety, adding that those exceeding certain heights, such as 10 to 12 feet, may need to be removed or trimmed. This initiative, according to Haldar, would help prevent incidents like the one in Howrah, where a tree reportedly caused significant damage.

In her remarks about Kolkata’s Wetlands, Haldar acknowledged the vital role these areas play in the city’s ecosystem. She emphasized that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is committed to preserving nature and maintaining the Wetlands as an important natural asset. Haldar outlined plans to develop these wetlands as tourism hubs, promoting activities such as fish farming and boating, in accordance with the Waterland Act. “If money is needed for that, we will ensure it is done beautifully, preserving both the ecology and the cultural heritage of the city,” she said.

On the topic of water supply and metro development, Haldar mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding the city’s water distribution, particularly in areas like Tala. She stated that alternative solutions are being explored to avoid disruptions. Additionally, she addressed concerns about the impact of flooding on Kolkata’s metro tunnels, highlighting the urgent need for repairs if floodwaters breach the infrastructure. “If water from the road enters their metro system, immediate repairs will be necessary,” she said, pointing out the vulnerability of Kolkata’s metro system to monsoon-induced flooding.

Throughout her statements, Haldar made it clear that these issues must be addressed with urgency, but she also refrained from politicizing them. She noted that her interactions with RBNL (Railway Board of National Logistics) were part of a peaceful meeting, where a preliminary report had been shared. Further planning and joint inspections will take place after the upcoming Durga Puja festival. Haldar urged the involved parties to work together to find solutions without turning these matters into political battlegrounds.

As Rajnya Haldar continues to speak out against misogyny within her own party and push for changes in both political culture and urban development, her actions are likely to have lasting consequences on the ongoing debates within the Trinamool Congress. With her calls for action and accountability resonating with many, the coming weeks could be pivotal in determining whether the party is willing to confront the issues she has raised and make meaningful changes.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 3, 2025, Kolkata : The long-running speculation over who would succeed Sukanta Majumdar as the President of the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to an end on Wednesday, as Shamik Bhattacharya was confirmed as the new state BJP chief. The decision was cemented after a crucial call was reportedly received from BJP National President JP Nadda on Wednesday afternoon, effectively sealing Bhattacharya’s appointment.

According to senior BJP sources in the state, Bhattacharya had been a frontrunner in the race for the post. His name had been circulating within party circles for several weeks, and Wednesday’s development has now put an end to all speculation. With this announcement, Bhattacharya assumes the top leadership role at a critical juncture, with the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections on the horizon.

Shamik Bhattacharya brings a mixed electoral history to his new role. He first entered the West Bengal Legislative Assembly through a by-election win in 2014 from the Basirhat South constituency, serving as an MLA until 2016. However, he lost the seat in the 2016 assembly election to Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Dipendu Biswas. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Bhattacharya contested from the Dum Dum parliamentary constituency but was defeated by veteran TMC leader Saugata Roy. Again, in the 2021 state assembly polls, he contested from Rajarhat Gopalpur but lost to Aditi Munshi of the TMC. Despite these setbacks in electoral politics, his stature within the BJP has continued to rise. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha on April 4, 2025, and was inducted as a member of the party’s core committee in 2024, signaling his growing influence within the organization.

His appointment comes at a time when the BJP is recalibrating its strategy in West Bengal, following its mixed performance in the 2024 general elections and internal organizational restructuring. The leadership change is being viewed as a strategic move to energize the party’s base in the state and prepare for a more cohesive campaign for the upcoming assembly elections.

Reacting to the news, BJP national vice president and former state president Dilip Ghosh remarked, “Our party functions democratically. According to the BJP’s constitution, internal elections are held every three years, and that process is taking place across the country, including in West Bengal. Leaders are selected after consultation with the central leadership, and we work under their guidance.”

With Bhattacharya at the helm, the BJP’s West Bengal unit is expected to undergo significant strategic shifts. The party leadership appears to be banking on his organizational experience and proximity to central leaders to strengthen its footing in the state and mount a strong challenge to the ruling Trinamool Congress in 2026. His elevation marks not only a personal milestone in his political journey but also a potentially pivotal moment for the BJP’s future in Bengal.