Bengal BJP Chief Tasked with Discipline Ahead of Modi’s July Rally

The newly appointed state BJP chief, Samik Bhattacharya, has been given a critical mandate to restore discipline within the West Bengal BJP ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally scheduled for July 18, 2023, in Durgapur. This directive follows concerns from the party leadership in Delhi regarding controversial remarks made by Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari that have raised political tensions.

During a recent visit to Delhi, Bhattacharya met with key party figures, including Sunil Bansal, the BJP’s Bengal in-charge, and BL Santhosh, General Secretary (Organisation). Sources indicate that the discussions focused on the need for the Bengal unit to avoid further controversies that could overshadow the upcoming rally, which marks Modi’s return to the state after a six-year hiatus.

Adhikari, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition, faced backlash after advising Hindu Bengalis against visiting “Muslim majority” areas, specifically referring to Jammu and Kashmir in light of a recent attack in Pahalgam. He stated, “Don’t go to the places where Muslims are in majority. If you want to go to Kashmir, go to Jammu… They (terrorists) killed people asking about their religion.” This statement prompted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to criticize him, claiming he was echoing a divisive narrative.

Bhattacharya’s first task is to ensure that there are no further “out-of-turn gaffes” from party members, especially as the BJP aims to strengthen its position in West Bengal. The party is already dealing with internal discontent, particularly regarding former state president Dilip Ghosh, whose increasing association with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has unsettled many within the party ranks. Ghosh recently met with party officials in Delhi, where he remarked that there were no pending corruption cases against Banerjee, a statement likely to be viewed unfavorably by BJP supporters.

The forthcoming rally is strategically timed just days before the TMC’s annual Martyrs’ Day program on July 21, a significant event for the ruling party. Modi’s last rally in West Bengal took place on May 29, 2025, in Alipurduar, where he criticized the TMC government for alleged corruption and mismanagement, claiming it had “destroyed families.”

With the political landscape in Bengal becoming increasingly complex, Bhattacharya’s ability to maintain party discipline will be crucial as the BJP seeks to bolster its influence in a state where the TMC remains a formidable opponent. The upcoming rally is not just a platform for Modi to address supporters but also an opportunity for the BJP to counter TMC narratives and rally its base ahead of the crucial political events in the coming weeks.