PM Modi's Rally in West Bengal: BJP Shifts Focus to Bengali Identity Amidst Promises of Industrialization
At a recent rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised significant industrial development in West Bengal if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power. This assurance comes as the BJP appears to be making a strategic shift in its political messaging, placing a strong emphasis on Bengali identity and culture.
The rally stage was adorned with banners in Bengali, and a notable moment occurred when leaders repeatedly chanted slogans such as "Amra Bangali" (We are Bengalis). In a symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with idols of Goddess Durga. Breaking from the party's common practice, Modi began his speech with chants of "Jai Ma Kali" and "Jai Ma Durga," a move widely seen as an attempt to connect with the local culture and religious sentiments of Bengal.
During his address, Modi also invoked the name of Kadambini Ganguly, one of the first female graduates and physicians from the British Empire, further highlighting the BJP's effort to align with Bengal's historical and cultural icons.
However, the event was not without its awkward moments. BJP leader Locket Chatterjee was noted for repeatedly mispronouncing "swagato janaben" (will extend a welcome) as "swagat korben" (will welcome). Adding to the unusual events, veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty, making a political appearance after a considerable time, addressed the Bengali audience predominantly in Hindi.
The rally also brought to light the internal dynamics of the state's BJP unit. The absence of prominent leader Dilip Ghosh from the stage was conspicuous. Meanwhile, Samik Bhattacharya, the state party president, chose to welcome the Prime Minister with a garland of Rajanigandha flowers, moving away from the party's traditional lotus symbol.
This focus on regional identity is a significant turn for the BJP, which has often been labeled as an "outsider" party by its chief rival, the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee. The BJP's new narrative attempts to counter this by celebrating Bengali culture while continuing to promise economic progress for the state.
19 July
