BJP seniors show up for Milad-Un-Nabi across Bengal
Times of India | 28 August 2026
Kolkata: Several BJP MLAs, assembly election candidates and party functionaries joined Eid Milad-un-Nabi programmes across Bengal on Wednesday, marking the first major engagement by the party seniors with a Muslim festival since they assumed office in May. While some were spotted with green turbans, others reminded people of the work being done for the community by the govt.
The outreach comes against the backdrop of BJP seeking to expand its appeal among Muslim voters after the assembly election. The community accounts for roughly one-third of the electorate in the state.
It also comes months after the controversy surrounding Bakrid, when the govt withdrew permission for prayers on Red Road and shifted them to the Maidan. Restrictions were also imposed on the sacrifice of large livestock, adding to tensions surrounding the festival.
Tarunjyoti Tewari, BJP MLA from Rajarhat-Gopalpur, attended an Eid Milad programme in Kaikhali. “As the MLA of this area, I have certain responsibilities. I had asked the mosque committee for a list of work to be done. The road and the park nearby were in bad condition. Repair work has been done. I will continue to work for education and livelihoods of the people of my area,” said Tewari.
Jitendra Tiwari, BJP MLA from Pandabeswar, attended several celebrations in his constituency and was also seen wearing a green turban during one of the programmes. “I am happy to have come on Nabi Diwas. I will be happier when I come on Eid. BJP doesn’t discriminate on the basis of religion. The govt is doing development work for every section of the society,” he said.
Rakesh Singh, the BJP candidate from the port area in the assembly election, attended several programmes and used the occasion to target Trinamool MLA Firhad Hakim. “This is a big festival of the Muslim community. I extend my best wishes. MLA Firhad Hakim is nowhere to be seen now as he knows that people will not accept him. Earlier, he used to be seen everywhere,” said Singh.