Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 26, 2025, Kolkata: As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its campaign, adopting a strong Hindutva narrative. The party has set its sights on securing a decisive mandate and has mobilized its cadre across the state. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has termed the upcoming elections as a defining battle, referring to it as a ‘religious war’ aimed at protecting Hinduism. His statement has sparked widespread discussions and reactions, with both support and criticism pouring in from various quarters.

Adhikari has openly positioned the elections as a fight to safeguard religious and cultural values. His stance has garnered strong backing from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which has been actively involved in organizational groundwork in Bengal. The RSS-affiliated publication ‘Swastika’ has endorsed Adhikari’s call, describing it as a timely movement and urging supporters to extend their wisdom, guidance, and assistance. The publication has emphasized that Adhikari’s leadership is crucial in countering ideological opposition and fostering unity among like-minded groups.

The BJP leadership is confident that the 2026 elections will yield a favorable outcome. The party has launched an aggressive campaign across the state, with leaders actively engaging in public outreach programs. A significant boost to the party’s campaign came with the recent visit of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat to Bengal. During his visit, he conducted multiple high-level meetings, reinforcing the BJP’s strategy and infusing fresh energy into its ranks. Political analysts have noted that the BJP’s Bengal unit has received renewed momentum from these developments, which have strengthened its organizational structure and ideological positioning.

In line with its electoral strategy, the BJP has launched a poster campaign across the state, prominently displaying slogans emphasizing Hindu unity and the need for a BJP-led government in 2026. The posters, carrying the message ‘Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai, 2026 e BJP Chai’ (Hindus are brothers; we want BJP in 2026), have drawn considerable attention and sparked debates. The campaign underscores the party’s commitment to consolidating the Hindu vote bank and challenging the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on issues of governance and policy.

Meanwhile, BJP legislators have intensified their criticism of the TMC’s policies, particularly targeting what they term as ‘appeasement politics.’ The opposition has been vocal in its accusations, arguing that the current administration has neglected the interests of the majority community. These statements have fueled further political discourse, with leaders from both parties engaging in sharp exchanges.

The TMC, on its part, has countered the BJP’s campaign by reaffirming its commitment to inclusive governance. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed the BJP’s narrative, asserting that democracy in West Bengal stands for harmony and coexistence. She has accused the opposition of attempting to polarize the electorate along religious lines for electoral gains. TMC leaders have actively campaigned against what they describe as ‘divisive politics,’ urging voters to reject efforts aimed at disturbing social unity.

As the election season progresses, the political climate in Bengal is becoming increasingly charged. The BJP’s focus on Hindutva, combined with the RSS’s active involvement, has set the stage for a high-stakes contest. The ruling TMC remains steadfast in its approach, countering the BJP’s assertions with its governance record and welfare initiatives. The coming months are expected to witness heightened political activity, with both parties vying for public support in a fiercely contested electoral battle.