Adhikari meets Shah, talks about BJP’s rise in Bengal
The Statesman | 19 September 2025He declared that the party’s rise in the state would complete the political legacy of Shyama Prasad Mukhopadhyay. “Whatever governments the BJP may form across India, the circle will not be complete unless the party wins in Bengal, the land of Shyama Prasad Mukhopadhyay,” Adhikari told reporters Tuesday.
He declined to share details of his meeting with Shah but said national leaders remain confident about the party’s future in the state. Adhikari, who has repeatedly predicted the ouster of chief minister Mamata Banerjee in 2026, argued that Bengal’s voters are looking for change. “Ask any ordinary person without party flags or media identity, and they will say only one thing — they want change through the BJP. Because BJP is the only credible alternative in Bengal,” he said. He pointed to the party’s past growth as evidence of what is possible in the next election.
“If we can go from three seats to 77, if we can rise from 10 per cent to 40 per cent vote share, then why not 177 seats and 45 per cent votes?” he said. Adhikari also attacked the Trinamul Congress government over unemployment and corruption, noting that job recruitments such as the school service exams were held only under Supreme Court orders. “There are young men who have stitched the same pair of trousers three times. They know the pain of joblessness,” he said. Explaining why BJP is the “only option,” Adhikari said states under BJP rule are closely overseen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “His patriotism, compassion, and integrity are well known. Even the Opposition has never questioned his honesty,” he said.
Political analysts described Adhikari’s closed-door meeting with Shah as significant. Sources said the two leaders discussed Bengal’s political climate, law-and-order situation, and steps to strengthen the party’s organisation ahead of the 2026 polls. Observers believe the meeting signals the BJP’s efforts to energise its cadre and expand its base in the state.
