In a rally marked by energy, determination, and bold promises, Union Home Minister Amit Shah once again targeted the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that her rule will end with the 2026 Assembly elections. Speaking from the politically volatile district of Murshidabad, Shah laid out his vision for a “new Bengal,” free from what he described as “appeasement, lawlessness, and corruption.”
This statement wasn’t just political rhetoric; it signaled the formal escalation of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign in the state. With two years remaining before the next Assembly elections, the BJP seems ready to use every opportunity to unseat the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Amit Shah’s Core Message: Liberation from ‘Misrule’
Amit Shah’s message centered around the idea that West Bengal, despite its rich cultural and intellectual history, has been held back by poor governance and political violence. He accused the TMC government of stalling central schemes, enabling corruption, and nurturing lawlessness through political appeasement.
“Give Modi ji 35 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and I guarantee you, Mamata Banerjee’s rule will collapse before 2026,” Shah said. This direct appeal links the upcoming general elections with the party’s broader plan for regime change in the state.
The BJP’s “Double-Engine” Pitch
Shah reiterated the BJP’s “double-engine” pitch—meaning governance both at the state and central level by the same party. This idea has worked in other states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, where the BJP claims it has delivered faster development due to alignment between state and national leadership.
By promising to bring the same model to West Bengal, Shah hopes to appeal to voters frustrated by the state’s uneven development and bureaucratic hurdles. He promised better roads, infrastructure, border security, and job creation if the BJP comes to power.
Targeting Mamata Banerjee on Infiltration and Communal Politics
A consistent thread in Shah’s speech was the alleged failure of Mamata Banerjee’s government to prevent illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Murshidabad, which shares a border with the neighboring country, has long been a sensitive area, and the BJP has repeatedly accused the TMC of enabling cross-border movement for vote-bank politics.
Shah said, “When BJP governs Bengal, we will seal the borders just like we did in Assam. We will ensure national security and dignity for the people of this state.”
He also accused the TMC of ignoring the majority community and using religion as a tool for political gain—an accusation Mamata has strongly denied.
The TMC’s Counterattack: Calling Out “Delhi’s Bullying”
In response to Shah’s aggressive stance, the TMC issued a strong rebuttal. Party spokesperson Derek O’Brien said, “Bengal doesn’t need Amit Shah to tell us how to vote. The BJP keeps predicting Mamata Didi’s downfall, yet she returns with a bigger mandate each time.”
Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly stated that the BJP’s style of politics is a threat to federalism and diversity. Her political strategy has focused on preserving Bengal’s cultural identity while positioning herself as the protector of regional interests against central overreach.
Ground Reality: The Battle for Perception
While Mamata Banerjee remains a formidable political force, cracks have appeared in her image. Allegations of corruption—particularly involving the teacher recruitment scam and misuse of central funds—have impacted the public perception of her government. The BJP is capitalizing on these issues by projecting itself as the cleaner, more accountable alternative.
However, the BJP’s own position in the state is not without challenges. The lack of a strong local leader, defections, and internal divisions have hurt its performance in panchayat and municipal elections. Many voters remain wary of the party’s outsider image and fear a dilution of Bengal’s cultural uniqueness.
Youth and Women: The Tipping Point?
Both parties are aggressively courting youth and women voters. Mamata’s schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar, Kanyashree, and free rations have built a loyal base among women. On the other hand, rising unemployment and dissatisfaction with job opportunities have given the BJP an opening to woo younger voters.
Shah specifically mentioned the need to “open doors of opportunity” in Bengal, promising industrial investment and job creation under a BJP government.
Cultural Identity vs. National Uniformity
At its core, the Bengal political fight is becoming one between cultural identity and national alignment. Mamata has always positioned herself as a defender of Bengal’s unique language, festivals, and customs. The BJP, while promising development, has often been accused of attempting to impose Hindi-Hindu-centric politics in a diverse state.
If the BJP hopes to win in 2026, it must reconcile its national narrative with the regional aspirations of Bengali voters.
Conclusion
Amit Shah’s bold proclamation that Mamata Banerjee’s time is up has re-energized the BJP cadre and reignited the political battle in Bengal. Whether it’s a prediction, a threat, or simply election-time theater, it has set the tone for a fierce contest leading up to 2026.
For now, Shah’s words echo like a challenge in Bengal’s political corridors: “Change is coming—will you be ready?”
