The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) historic victory in West Bengal marks a significant milestone in Indian politics. The party's success can be attributed to its localised campaign, which focused on welfare schemes and avoided personal attacks on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
By using slogans such as 'Joy Ma Kali' and 'Joy Ma Durga', the BJP was able to shed its 'Bohiragoto' (outsider) tag and establish itself as a home-grown entity. The party's campaign also highlighted the threat of illegal immigrants, which resonated with the people of Bengal.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah played a crucial role in the campaign, training his guns at the state government for not allowing the border to be fenced. The BJP promised various schemes, including a monthly cash incentive of ₹3,000 for women and unemployed graduates, which countered the TMC's welfare schemes.
The party's booth-level management was also a key factor in its victory. By identifying around 180 seats where the party would put up a fight, the BJP was able to focus its resources and secure a resounding majority.
The BJP's win in Bengal is a testament to its ability to dislodge a regional satrap and establish the heft of its electioneering skills and narrative building. The party's ideology, which emphasizes nation-first, has proven to be appealing to the people of Bengal, and the BJP is now poised to consolidate its hold over India's East.
