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Samik Bhattacharya Claims Anti-Incumbency In Bengal
Samik Bhattacharya Claims Anti-Incumbency In Bengal, Predicts ‘Prachanda Bahumat’ | Exclusive
As the election campaign enters its final phase, political activity has intensified across West Bengal. The BJP has stepped up large-scale campaigning and final-stage mobilisation. In an exclusive conversation with News18, BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya said the party is confident of securing a clear majority and indicated that workers will celebrate with a traditional “mach-bhaat" meal after the results.
How do you assess the current political mood in West Bengal?
Samik Bhattacharya: There is widespread resentment against the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The public mood, both within Bengal and among the Bengali diaspora, indicates a clear desire for political change. TMC is now a “living fossil"; they are finished.
How do you define the nature of this electoral contest?
Samik Bhattacharya: This is not a conventional contest between political parties. It is a direct contest between the people and Mamata Banerjee. It is not TMC vs BJP; it is Mamata vs junta.
What is your prediction regarding the court order on the inclusion of names? TMC is considering this a victory.
Samik Bhattacharya: We are confident that TMC will be voted out. Regardless of the narrative after the results, the mandate will reflect the will of the people.
On 4 May, Mamata Banerjee may claim that “outsiders were brought in" and that it is her victory, but she will have to step down. Mamata Banerjee will be defeated.
You have raised concerns about the electoral process. What are they?
Samik Bhattacharya: We have concerns regarding voter deletions, particularly through Form 7. These issues have not been resolved. There are allegations that genuine voters, including BJP supporters and members of the Matua community, have been removed, especially in BJP-leaning areas. TMC AEROs have deleted BJP voters’ names. Despite this, we remain confident of victory.
What are your allegations regarding Maldah?
Samik Bhattacharya: There have been incidents where even members of the judiciary have faced attacks. We believe that violence in certain areas, including Mothabari, has been instigated by TMC leadership. TMC has orchestrated the Maldah attack. What kind of comments did Mamata Banerjee make before Maldah? She incited this; she told women to attack with brooms.
Mamata Banerjee says Hindu votes have been deleted. What is your take? What is your position on internal security and infiltration?
Samik Bhattacharya: Earlier, she said Muslim voters had been deleted; now she says Hindu voters have been deleted. Mamata Banerjee should be happy if Hindu voters are deleted. She is now with the Rohingyas; earlier, in 2004, she protested in Parliament against illegal infiltration. We are only following her position and believe illegal migrants should be sent out. Now it is her vote bank.
Internal security has been compromised under TMC. There are concerns that infiltration is being encouraged, which could have serious implications.
What is your projection for the BJP’s performance?
Samik Bhattacharya: BJP will secure a comfortable majority. We do not anticipate needing support from any other party and expect a “prachanda bahumat". We will not take or need TMC MLAs.
What is your response regarding statements by leaders like Humayun Kabir?
Samik Bhattacharya: Humayun Kabir is a product of Mamata Banerjee. When he made the statement that “30 per cent would be thrown into the Ganga", there was no response from her. This raises questions. He appears to serve a political purpose for the Trinamool Congress. The presence of leaders like him, as well as parties such as AIMIM, is a result of Mamata Banerjee’s political approach.
What is your stance on women’s reservation?
Samik Bhattacharya: BJP has brought in the Women’s Reservation Bill and believes it should be implemented with consensus across all parties and passed in both Houses of Parliament. Those who have not supported it are anti-women.
You have criticised TMC for freebies, but you have also announced welfare measures.
Samik Bhattacharya: Welfare measures are provided in all countries; that is not the issue. However, we believe financial assistance should be more substantial and better implemented. We will provide Rs 3,000 to women; Rs 1,500 is not enough. Under our Annapurna scheme, women will receive more support, including Rs 3,000. Our youth scheme will also provide greater benefits.
What is your economic vision for Bengal?
Samik Bhattacharya: Bengal has significant potential, but concerns such as the absence of a clear land policy, pressure on institutions, and law and order issues have discouraged investment. There is a perception that Bengal is anti-industry. There has been an outflow of capital and talent. We believe this can change with a new government. Industrialists are ready with investments; they will come after a change in government.
This time, the election fight is “fishy". TMC says you will not allow fish, yet your candidate is campaigning with fish.
Samik Bhattacharya: BJP workers will celebrate peacefully with “mach-bhaat". A symbolic fish-and-rice celebration is planned on 6 May. We will send special “moroli" fish to Mamata Banerjee’s residence and to all TMC leaders. TMC politics is “fishy"; that is why they are turning a non-issue into an issue.
How do you compare this election to 2021?
Samik Bhattacharya: In 2021, we narrowly missed forming the government. This time, we are more focused and confident of securing a decisive mandate. If a target is missed once, it is pursued with greater alertness the next time. We will win this time. They laughed in 2021; this time they will not get that opportunity.
What is your expectation from the Election Commission?
Samik Bhattacharya: The Election Commission of India has assured peaceful, violence-free elections. We expect that assurance to be upheld. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have changed — why can’t Bengal change? I am sure this time it will be different.
Who will be the Chief Minister if the BJP wins?
Samik Bhattacharya: The elected MLAs will take a collective decision on leadership. The priority is to form the government.
What is your outlook on key constituencies like Bhabanipur?
Samik Bhattacharya: We believe there is a shift in public sentiment, which will be reflected in constituencies like Bhabanipur.
Source: News18
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