From zero Muslim candidates to polarising rhetoric, the commentary examines why the BJP struggles to gain Muslim trust and asks whether the party has genuinely attempted inclusive politics
BJP surges past 200 seats in Bengal as Mamata Banerjee loses Bhabanipur. SIR deletions of 27 lakh voters raise serious questions over their decisive impact on TMC’s defeat.
Welfare, minority consolidation, and women voters boost TMC, while BJP banks on anti-incumbency, urban discontent, and Hindi-speaking voters, making Bengal’s electoral outcome a complex and closely watched contest.
Jawhar Sircar calls SIR illegal, alleges voter deletions, attacks BJP as anti-India, criticises EC and Supreme Court, and urges Bengal voters to prioritise development and credible alternatives over identity politics.
TMC’s Snakes and Ladders leaflet depicts Narendra Modi and Amit Shah as “snakes,” while welfare schemes act as “ladders,” taking Mamata Banerjee’s campaign into Bengal homes.