Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 3, 2025, Kolkata: Religion and politics, traditionally distinct in Bengal, are increasingly becoming intertwined, as political leaders from different parties are now directly invoking religious sentiments in their campaigns. On Thursday, Leader of the Opposition in the Bengal Legislative Assembly, Shuvendu Adhikari, made a provocative statement during a program in Midnapore, announcing that his party would “deliver the Gita to all Hindu homes.” In a passionate address, Adhikari declared, “Hindu religion is zindabad. Hindus of the world, unite!” as Jai Shri Ram slogans were chanted from the crowd.
Adhikari’s remarks mark a bold escalation in the state’s political discourse, where religion has rarely been so directly invoked in the context of electoral politics. The statement echoes a growing trend in which political parties seek to mobilize the Hindu vote by invoking religious symbols and slogans. The BJP, under Adhikari’s leadership, has now openly embraced a Hindu-centric narrative, with the opposition leader stating, “A Hindu government will be established soon.” The rhetoric is clearly aimed at galvanizing the Hindu community ahead of the elections, signaling that the battle for votes has already begun in earnest.
While the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has not yet responded directly to these religious overtures, the political climate in Bengal has become charged as election season approaches. Adhikari’s remarks and his call for a “Hindu government” in Bengal have sparked discussions on the intersection of religion and politics in the state.
On the other hand, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee took aim at the central government on the same day, addressing issues related to religious persecution abroad. Speaking at a rally in Diamond Harbor, Banerjee questioned why the central government, led by the BJP, has remained silent on the alleged religious oppression in Bangladesh. “Why is the central government not taking any action against those who are oppressing minorities in Bangladesh?” he asked, suggesting that the BJP’s lack of response could be due to the absence of elections in Bangladesh. His statement was seen as an effort to highlight what he perceives as the BJP’s selective attention to issues of religious persecution, particularly when it involves electoral considerations.
Abhishek’s remarks came amid heightened tensions over the fate of Chinmaykrishna Das, a TMC leader, whose bail hearing was being conducted in Bangladesh. Das, an influential figure in Bengal, had been detained in Bangladesh, adding fuel to the political fire in the state.
As the elections draw nearer, it is evident that both the BJP and TMC are playing a high-stakes political game, with religion and national issues taking center stage. Whether these strategies will resonate with voters or deepen divisions in the state remains to be seen, but the current political atmosphere in Bengal is anything but conventional.