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Public sentiment favours the BJP
THE WEEK India
|April 26, 2026
INTERVIEW Samik Bhattacharya, BJP West Bengal president
Q/ What is the plus factor for BJP this time?
A/ This election is about the restoration of democracy. In 2011, Mamata Banerjee came to power promising democratic restoration after 34 years of left rule. People voted for her with that hope. But today, we believe the situation has become worse. Institutions have weakened, the administration has become politicised, and democratic rights are under pressure. There is anger, frustration and a desire for change among people.
Q/ When you say democracy is under threat in Bengal, what are the specific issues you are referring to?
This story is from the April 26, 2026 edition of THE WEEK India.
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