With the political temperature rising ahead of the Assembly elections, BJP MLA from Siliguri Dr Sankar Ghosh has intensified his outreach campaign, combining extensive ground visits with a strong social media push to consolidate support and retain his seat.
Dr Ghosh, who also serves as the Chief Whip of the Opposition in the State Assembly, on Monday shared a Bengali letter written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a “change of guard” in West Bengal. The letter, beginning with “Victory to Maa Kali,” outlines a vision for a “developed and prosperous” Bengal and calls upon voters to make a decisive choice in the upcoming elections.
In his message, the Prime Minister emphasised that the future of the next generation hinges on the electorate’s decision, while expressing concern over what he described as widespread deprivation across the state. Highlighting the Centre’s welfare initiatives over the past 11 years, he cited the expansion of banking access under Jan Dhan Yojana, construction of toilets through Swachh Bharat, financial assistance to small businesses, pension coverage for senior citizens, LPG connections under Ujjwala, and direct income support to farmers through PM-Kisan.
Mr Modi also criticised the state government, alleging non-cooperation and attributing Bengal’s current challenges ~ ranging from unemployment-driven migration to concerns over women’s safety ~ to prolonged misgovernance. He invoked the legacy of figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and Rabindranath Tagore, stating that their envisioned Bengal is now marred by violence and political disorder.
Calling change “inevitable,” the Prime Minister urged voters to support a governance model focused on development, improved healthcare through Ayushman Bharat, employment generation, and enhanced women’s security.
Dr Ghosh’s aggressive campaign comes amid indications that Siliguri Mayor Goutam Deb may contest from the constituency, setting the stage for a keen electoral battle. Political observers note that while the BJP is attempting to broaden its appeal across communities, the Trinamul Congress is simultaneously working to dent the party’s traditional support base, particularly among non-Bengali voters.