In a significant political development, BJP national president Nitin Nabin held a strategic meeting with the party's Members of Parliament from West Bengal on Tuesday night in New Delhi. This gathering took place within a week of Nabin's two-day tour to Bengal, underscoring the party's focused approach ahead of the upcoming elections.
Key Discussions and Attendees
The meeting, which lasted for nearly two hours, was hosted at the residence of Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar. According to a BJP source, the primary objective was to fine-tune campaign strategies and ensure a cohesive electoral push. Notably, for the first time, Harshvardhan Shringla, a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, was invited to join the discussions with Bengal lawmakers.
Context of Mamata Banerjee's Delhi Visit
This high-level BJP meeting coincided with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's heightened activism in Delhi. She has been leading protests against the BJP and the Election Commission of India on the streets of the national capital. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar commented on her visit earlier on Tuesday, stating, "She has come to Delhi and her intentions are not clear as yet. She has claimed that her visit is intended to raise voice against the ongoing SIR. But Trinamool has been peddling lies among people since the process started."
Focus on Strengthening Booth-Level Operations
During his recent visit to Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of strengthening booth-level operations. In discussions with state leaders, Shah highlighted that while rallies and campaigns are essential, they alone cannot secure electoral victory. This directive appears to have influenced the agenda of Nabin's meeting with Bengal MPs.
Nabin's Targeted Approach in Bengal
Nitin Nabin, who visited Bengal immediately after his appointment as party president, strategically addressed regions where the BJP's influence has been waning. These areas include:
- West Burdwan
- Asansol
- Durgapur
His focus on these constituencies indicates a concerted effort to reclaim lost ground and bolster the party's presence.
Role of Harshvardhan Shringla
Harshvardhan Shringla, with his deep roots in Darjeeling, has been actively involved in the Hills through his organization, the Darjeeling Welfare Society. His inclusion in the meeting suggests the BJP's intent to leverage his expertise and connections to strengthen the party's outreach in the region.
Unified Campaign Strategy
With the BJP leadership eager to present a united front before the campaign intensifies, Nabin took stock of the party's preparedness. The meeting served as a platform to align strategies, address internal challenges, and coordinate efforts to counter the opposition effectively.
This development highlights the BJP's proactive measures to consolidate its position in West Bengal, even as political tensions escalate with Mamata Banerjee's protests in Delhi. The party's focus on grassroots mobilization and strategic planning underscores its determination to perform strongly in the forthcoming elections.