Narrative gets stronger of BJP-TMC 'tie-up' in Bengal

"Eta khub kothin" (It is very difficult), said a senior district-level BJP functionary without hesitation when asked about the chances of the BJP coming to power in West Bengal by defeating the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

With the Assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled for May 2026, still one and a half years away, the opposition BJP appears unlikely to replace the ruling TMC unless a significant course correction is undertaken soon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the incoming party president.

The ruling TMC continues to hold a dominant position, even as there is a desire among a substantial section of voters, excluding the TMC's vote bank, to bring the BJP to power.

Among TMC's loyal vote bank are approximately 30% of the state's Muslim voters. To form a government, the BJP would need to secure 34-40% of the remaining 70% votes. However, this remains a steep and perhaps impossible climb, given the growing perception of a strategic tie-up between the TMC and BJP. This perception is not just limited to voters but has also taken root among the BJP's dedicated cadre, who led from the front until May 2021.

Over five days, The Sunday Guardian spoke to several district-level BJP leaders and functionaries whose voices are often overlooked by the top Kolkata-based leadership, let alone those in New Delhi.

These leaders expressed that the BJP was best positioned to come to power during the 2021 elections but now believe the strong voter sentiment and cadre enthusiasm of that time have dissipated.