As the political battlefield in West Bengal heats up, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that he will remain in the state for 15 days for the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He made the remarks while addressing a rally, as he accompanied party leader Suvendu Adhikari in filing the nominations from the Bhabanipur constituency.
"I will remain in West Bengal for 15 days during the election. There will be many opportunities to speak with you. Today I have come for the nomination of our candidates, especially Suvendu Adhikari," the union home minister said.
Shah's remarks are seen by many as a signal to the importance that the saffron party is giving to the two-phase assembly elections in West Bengal. In the previous elections in 2021, the BJP became the main opposition in the state, winning 77 seats. This time, the party is hoping end Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule, who has been in power since 2011.
This year, assembly elections are slated to be held in West Bengal in two phases: April 23 and 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.
TMC's quirky dig
In response to Shah's remarks, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) took a quirky dig at the union home minister and advised that he should try some of the most "finest delicacies" of West Bengal. In a post on micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter), the party said Bengal welcomes tourists with open arms, while providing a list of delicacies that Shah should try during his visit.
"Amit Shah has announced his decision to spend 15 days in Bengal," the TMC said. "Stay for as long as you like. And do not miss out on some of our finest delicacies. We highly recommend: Muri Ghonto, Pabda Macher Jhal, Ilish Bhapa, Chingri Malai Curry, Bhetki Paturi, and Kosha Mangsho. Have a pleasant stay!"
In another post, the TMC shared a video and claimed that Shah was greeted with "chappals and boots" in Bhabanipur. People even shouted slogans against Shah, the TMC claimed, calling the saffron party 'Bengal Birodhi' (anti-West Bengal).
"As his rath passed through, the fury of the people was so intense that the Home Minister turned his back and hurriedly retreated inside his vehicle like a coward," it said, adding that the next 15 days will be a real "test for BJP and their Delhi Zamindars".
