Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, May 3: Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya struck a calm and confident tone ahead of the Assembly election results, asserting that the party is heading towards a decisive mandate driven by public dissatisfaction with the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Speaking to IndiaToday.in over a phone call on Saturday night, Bhattacharya appeared relaxed after weeks of intense campaigning, even as the political atmosphere in the state remained charged following the conclusion of polling. Allegations of EVM tampering, repolling in select constituencies, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s continued protests over alleged rigging have kept tensions high.
Dismissing such concerns, Bhattacharya said, “She will not be able to do anything this time around,” adding that the election reflects “a verdict of rejection” rather than a simple pro-incumbency or anti-incumbency wave.
He cited multiple factors behind the expected shift, including teacher recruitment scams and rising unemployment, which he said have eroded the credibility of the ruling party.
Bhattacharya’s confidence comes after a year of steering a faction-ridden state unit. When he took charge of the BJP in Bengal, the party was grappling with internal divisions and competing leadership camps. Infighting had been widely reported, with even senior leaders previously acknowledging attempts to undermine each other’s electoral prospects.
A seasoned organisational leader, Bhattacharya rose steadily through the ranks, gaining recognition as a sharp yet composed communicator during his tenure as the party’s spokesperson. His political trajectory accelerated in recent years, marked by a Rajya Sabha nomination in 2024 and participation in international outreach initiatives such as Operation Sindoor in 2025.
His appointment as state chief had drawn scepticism, particularly from the Trinamool Congress. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh had then questioned his ability to unify factions led by leaders like Sukanta Majumdar, Suvendu Adhikari, and Dilip Ghosh.
With results now imminent, exit polls have projected a strong performance for the BJP, with several indicating a clear edge over the ruling party. Even if projections vary, the party is expected to surpass its 2021 tally and register its best Assembly performance in the state so far.
Responding to questions on internal challenges, Bhattacharya maintained that teamwork had prevailed. “The only challenge was ensuring booth-level presence and instilling confidence among our agents. We have achieved that,” he said.
Though not a candidate himself, Bhattacharya emerged as a prominent face of the BJP campaign, sharing visibility with Suvendu Adhikari, while national leaders such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Nitin Nabin led the campaign from the Centre.
He also framed the election as a broader assertion of Bengali identity and pride, claiming that not only voters within the state but also the global Bengali diaspora actively supported the call for change.
“People living outside Bengal also wanted change. Everyone contributed in their own way,” he said.
Outlining the party’s vision, Bhattacharya said that if voted to power, the BJP would focus on transforming Bengal into an investment destination, aiming to curb the outflow of labour, students, capital, and investors. He also emphasised the need to reduce excessive politicisation and promote a more “apolitical society.”
Addressing speculation about the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in election strategy, Bhattacharya dismissed any direct involvement, stating that the organisation does not interfere in the BJP’s electoral planning.
Expressing strong optimism, Bhattacharya said the party could cross the 200-seat mark, signalling what he described as a historic moment for the BJP in West Bengal.