In a significant statement on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition and BJP stalwart Shubhendu Adhikari proclaimed a change of stance in West Bengal. 'We used to say ‘Everyone’s support, everyone’s development,' but not anymore,' Adhikari declared. His new motto: 'Support those who support us... stop talking about inclusivity for all. There's no need for a minority front.'
Emphasizing the need for victory, Adhikari spoke of saving Hindus and safeguarding the constitution. 'I have spoken about nationalist Muslims,' he shared. Echoing the sentiment, he later gestured with folded hands, indicating a departure from the previous slogans.
'No Need for a Minority Front'
Adhikari continued, 'We'll stand by those who stand with us. Forget universal inclusivity, forget the minority front.’ In a conclusive flourish, he led the crowd in a rousing 'Jai Shri Ram' chant, while attendees applauded his fiery speech.
Why oppose 'Everyone’s support, everyone’s development'? Adhikari himself offered an explanation: 'They won't let us vote because we are Hindus. Jihadists will park themselves outside my house from dawn, and the police will merely observe,' he cautioned. Casting a wide net of concern, he implored, 'We need to awaken now.' He referred to nearby Ghatkopur and Bhangar, where Hindus were reportedly barred from voting. He described Basanti Expressway as having transformed into Islamabad and highlighted issues of voter suppression. Adhikari's intention? To lock up the hooligans on election day and grant central forces the authority to inspect voter IDs. Conveying his distress, he remarked, 'The constitution in West Bengal is finished. We want to save it.'
Adhikari's bold words hinted at the BJP's strategic shift in West Bengal, intent on consolidating Hindu votes where Muslim voters had previously united behind the TMC in the Lok Sabha elections. The realization dawned that, unlike the fragmented Hindu vote base, the Muslim community presented a unified front.
PM Modi's Inclusive Development Mantra
It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, during the 2014 general election campaign, coined the slogan 'Everyone’s support, everyone’s development.' It became BJP's rallying cry, symbolizing the government's commitment to the inclusive progress of all Indian citizens, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized. This mantra reflected a promise toward the empowerment and upliftment of every section of society.
The Muslim Vote as TMC's Stronghold
In West Bengal, Muslims are often seen as the cornerstone of the TMC's voter base, with both the Left-Congress Alliance and BJP attempting to increase their political reach within the community. However, the results were disappointing for the BJP. The 2018 Bengal Panchayat elections were marked by the BJP's attempts to woo Muslim voters, culminating in electoral gains for a few. With Muslims making up roughly 30% of the electorate and influencing nearly 100 out of 294 seats, their votes are critically decisive. Since 2010, Muslim voters have predominantly favored the TMC in West Bengal.
Despite these dynamics, many minority community leaders believe that Muslim voters, intending to counter the BJP, are increasingly leaning towards the TMC over left-Congress alliances.
