Bengal BJP Launches Extensive 'Parivartan Yatra' Ahead of Key Political Events
In a significant political move, the Bengal BJP on Tuesday revealed the detailed schedule for its "Parivartan Yatra," a massive campaign initiative set to traverse all 294 assembly segments in the state. This announcement comes just a day before Union Home Minister Amit Shah's scheduled visit to the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, Nadia district, highlighting a busy period for the party in West Bengal.
Yatra Details and Leadership
The nine-phase yatra is slated to commence on March 1 and conclude later in the month, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the final rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Grounds. Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya outlined that the yatras will be inaugurated by nine senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president JP Nadda, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP leader Nitin Nabin, and Smriti Irani.
During the campaign, the party plans to hold 64 major public rallies and 300 smaller rallies along the routes. In Kolkata's 29 assembly segments, special tableaux and targeted campaigns will be deployed to engage voters. Bhattacharya emphasized that the "Parivartan Yatra" is distinct from traditional Rath Yatras, a format that has historically sparked legal and political disputes in Bengal. "We are actually scared to use the word Rath after the way Lord Jagannath was dragged from Puri to Digha," he remarked humorously, distancing the initiative from past controversies.
Schedule and Logistics
The first phase on March 1 will see yatras launching from Cooch Behar, Krishnanagar, Kulti, Garbeta, and Raidighi. On March 2, additional yatras will begin from Islampore, Sandeshkhali, Hasan, and Amta. The campaign will pause on March 3 and 4 due to the Dol festival, resuming on March 5. Bhattacharya projected that the nine yatras will cover approximately 5,000 kilometers, ensuring comprehensive outreach across the state. Once the yatras conclude, campaigning for the Brigade rally will commence immediately the following day.
Regarding specifics of Modi's Brigade rally, Bhattacharya noted that coordination with authorities is underway, with dates to be communicated later. He also mentioned that the assignment of senior BJP leaders to specific yatras will be announced in due course.
Political Context and Voter Sentiment
Reflecting on Bengal's political landscape, Bhattacharya drew a parallel from the end of Left Front rule to the present, arguing that voters who initially supported Trinamool Congress to end cadre-based politics are now disillusioned amid allegations of corruption and reduced democratic space. "After 34 years of Left rule, people wanted democracy and development. But 15 years later, there is a growing demand to reassess what was actually delivered," he stated, claiming rising dissatisfaction among rural voters and marginalized communities.
Security Preparations for Amit Shah's Visit
Meanwhile, security has been intensified in Mayapur ahead of Amit Shah's visit to the ISKCON temple to attend the 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of Gaudiya Vaishnava leader Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur. Administrative sources reported that multi-layered security measures have been implemented from the temporary helipad to the temple complex. Senior police officials are conducting on-ground inspections, and a special security team from New Delhi has arrived to oversee arrangements.
ISKCON authorities indicated that Shah will travel by road from the helipad to Shakti Bhavan, where he is expected to offer prayers to the deities of Radha-Madhava and Pancha-Tattva. He may also participate in the temple's 'arati' ceremony, interact with monks, and join the main commemorative event. As per the schedule, Shah will reach Kolkata around noon and proceed to Mayapur by helicopter, returning to Kolkata later in the afternoon.
This dual focus on campaign mobilization and high-profile visits underscores the BJP's strategic efforts to strengthen its presence in West Bengal ahead of upcoming political engagements.
