Union Home Minister Amit Shah stepped up the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign in West Bengal, directly targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government. Addressing rallies in Dum Dum Uttar in North 24 Parganas and Salboni in Paschim Medinipur, he accused the Trinamool Congress of corruption and misgovernance. He also alleged that a “syndicate raj” controls key parts of the state’s economy.
Meanwhile, Shah made a politically sensitive statement on a proposed mosque project. He said the BJP would not allow any “Babri Masjid-modelled” structure to be built in West Bengal. His remarks further sharpened the ideological tone of the election campaign.
Shah escalates mosque project controversy
Addressing supporters, Shah claimed that attempts were being made to construct a “Babri Masjid-modelled mosque” in the state. In addition, he alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was backing such efforts under the name of Humayun Kabir.
“Mamata Didi, try as hard as you want, the BJP will not allow Babri Masjid to be built in Bengal,” he said. This statement quickly became a major flashpoint in the ongoing political battle.
Allegations of a syndicate-driven system
Shah then turned to governance issues and widespread syndicate control over construction materials. According to him, citizens are forced to pay extra money for cement, bricks, and sand.
If someone buys cement, they pay the syndicate. Similarly, if they buy bricks or sand, they pay the syndicate, he said. As a result, he argued that the industry has weakened and investment has declined in the state.
Furthermore, Shah claimed that these networks operate under political protection. He asserted that after the elections, such systems would collapse and “syndicate thugs will flee Bengal.”
Law and order and women’s safety
At the same time, Shah raised concerns over law and order in the state. He focused particularly on women’s safety and cited incidents from RG Kar Medical College, Durgapur Medical College, and South Kolkata Law College.
He said these cases reflect growing insecurity for women in Bengal. Moreover, he criticised Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on women’s movement at night, calling them inappropriate.
Shah also promised stricter safety measures if the BJP comes to power. He said even young girls would be able to move freely without fear.
Political messaging and “Sonar Bangla” pitch
In addition, Shah invoked the BJP’s vision of “Sonar Bangla”. He described it as a future free from corruption, fear, and infiltration.
He urged voters to support the BJP for better governance and stronger law and order. At the same time, he expanded his criticism to national opposition politics, targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and predicting electoral setbacks for the party.
He also suggested that alliances involving the Trinamool Congress would weaken its political position further.
High-stakes electoral contest
The West Bengal Assembly election is now entering a decisive phase. Campaigning for the first phase ended on April 21. Voting will take place on April 23 across 152 constituencies. The second phase is scheduled for April 29. Counting of votes for the 294-member Assembly will be held on May 4.
The contest remains a direct battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress, which is seeking another term, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is pushing aggressively to expand its presence in the state.
