The controversy erupted on Friday when Rakesh Singh and his supporters were seen engaging in a violent attack on the Pradesh Congress office, setting fire to photographs of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, and burning the party’s flags. The event has sparked widespread backlash, with critics accusing Singh of crossing a line that could damage the BJP’s public image. However, the most significant fallout appears to be within the party itself.

As the incident gained attention, the state BJP, under pressure from various quarters, distanced itself from Singh. State President Shamik Bhattacharya, who had been under political pressure, condemned the actions, making it clear that the BJP does not support the burning of any political party’s flag. “This was not an approved program of the party,” Bhattacharya asserted, signaling his firm stance against the attack.

Meanwhile, Shuvendu Adhikari, who has often been seen as a guiding force for Rakesh Singh within the BJP, also distanced himself from the controversy. In his response, Adhikari confirmed that Singh is a BJP member but made it clear that the party does not condone his actions. “I support what our state president Shamik Bhattacharya has said about this incident. This was not an approved program of the party,” Adhikari stated, further signaling his discomfort with Singh’s actions.

The growing tension between Rakesh Singh and key BJP leaders has underscored the factional struggles within the state unit of the party. Singh’s close ties to Shuvendu Adhikari have long been noted in political circles, and his sudden isolation raises questions about internal power dynamics within the Bengal BJP. The lack of support from both Adhikari and Bhattacharya highlights the deepening divide among party leaders, especially as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.

Rakesh Singh, who was once seen as an influential figure in the party, now faces a precarious position. His political future seems uncertain as he finds himself increasingly isolated, with his recent actions seemingly out of step with the party’s official stance. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Singh will be able to mend his relationship with the party leadership or if this marks the beginning of his political decline within the BJP.