Kolkata, Jul 2 (PTI) Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya has been appointed as the new president of the West Bengal BJP. He has been tasked with leading the party in the 2026 assembly elections— an election he regards as a battle to protect the state’s rich culture and pluralism from the “corrupt misrule” of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
A devoted party stalwart and effective communicator with strong connections to the RSS, Bhattacharya’s unopposed election reflects the central leadership’s strategic decision to navigate the West Bengal BJP through internal changes and position it for success in the upcoming assembly elections.
The announcement of his presidency was made at a felicitation ceremony, attended by senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, who formally presented the election certificate to Bhattacharya.
Bhattacharya takes the helm at a pivotal moment, with the assembly elections looming less than a year away, and as the party seeks to rebuild its organizational strength following setbacks post-2021.
In his inaugural address to party members, Bhattacharya stated, “In Bengal, we started from an almost non-existent position, yet we never wavered from our ideology. Today, we have gained significant ground, and the defeat of the TMC is imminent.”
He conveyed confidence that the state's citizens are determined to put an end to the “misrule” of the TMC in the forthcoming assembly elections.
Positioning the 2026 elections as a “fight for the existence of the culture, pluralism, and heritage of Bengal,” he accused the TMC of endangering these core values.
“The BJP in Bengal is not against minorities. Our stance is against the politics of violence and communalism,” Bhattacharya emphasized.
He communicated a powerful message of communal harmony, emphasizing that the BJP’s struggle in Bengal is not against any specific community.
“Our aim is to transform the lives of young boys in minority communities. We want to exchange stones for books, and swords for pens. We envision Bengal as a place where Durga Puja and Muharram processions coexist peacefully. Bengal must be saved,” he declared, earning applause from the crowd.
While he criticized the ruling party for issues like corruption in recruitment, difficulties faced by migrant workers, and obstacles to central welfare schemes, his tone on communal subjects was notably different from the more aggressive approach of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.
Bhattacharya also addressed internal party differences, particularly the growing divide between veteran members and newcomers.
“Party veterans must remember that newcomers are essential for growth. We cannot rely on external sources to create our cadres. At the same time, newcomers should recognize the loyalty of those who upheld the flag during tough times. In the BJP, there is no 'old' or 'new.' The biggest test is the people’s mandate. In the upcoming elections, not only will we exceed 200 seats, but we will also push the TMC to the margins,” he stated.
Both Suvendu Adhikari and outgoing state BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar pledged their support and collaboration with Bhattacharya.
“It’s like a relay race, where the baton passes but the race continues. I received it from Dilip Ghosh, and now it’s Samik-da’s turn to lead. We achieved a 38% vote share, and I am confident that, under his leadership, we will improve this and displace the TMC government,” Majumdar said.
However, this show of unity was slightly undermined by an underlying tension.
In his remarks, Majumdar frequently mentioned former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh, conspicuously avoided by Suvendu Adhikari in his address.
Dilip Ghosh, widely regarded as the party’s most effective Bengal president, was conspicuously absent from the ceremony.
Reports confirmed that Ghosh wasn’t invited, indicating a rift between him and the current leadership.
Political observers have pointed out that Bhattacharya faces the challenge of healing these internal divisions, enhancing organizational and legislative cohesion, and broadening the party's reach across the state.
The BJP originally secured 77 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections, but its representation has since reduced to 65 due to by-poll losses and defections to the TMC.
Moreover, Bhattacharya will have to counter the TMC’s persistent portrayal of the BJP as “anti-Bengali” and an “outsider party”— a perception that has taken hold in sections of the electorate.
Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh congratulated Bhattacharya but expressed skepticism about any electoral threat posed by the BJP.
“His elevation won’t alter BJP’s declining prospects. The party will face another defeat, and the TMC will return to power for a fourth consecutive term with a three-fourth majority,” he asserted.
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