no-more-sabka-saath-sabka-vikas-suvendu-adhikari

In a notable departure from the BJP's longstanding slogan 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,' senior West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has called for a new approach, citing support only for those who back the party.

Addressing an extended session of the BJP's state executive committee, Adhikari attributed the party's lackluster performance in the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal to insufficient support from the minority community.

"I have spoken for nationalist Muslims as well. We all used to say 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas,' but I would not say this anymore because I think it should be 'Hum unke saath jo humare saath' (we are with those who are with us)... no need for Minority Morcha," Adhikari asserted.

This shift marks a significant change in the BJP's strategy, as minorities comprise nearly 30 percent of West Bengal's electorate.

The BJP's slogans in 2014 and 2019 were centered around inclusive development and trust: 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.'

Adhikari also claimed that Hindu voters were prevented from casting their ballots by "Jihadi goons of the TMC" in various areas during the Lok Sabha polls.

"In West Bengal, free and fair elections are not possible. The Jihadi goons of the TMC will not allow it. Free and fair elections are only possible by implementing the Disturbed Areas Act in the state. We don't want to capture power in the state through backdoor implementation of the President's Rule," he stated.

"We will come to power when we win elections with the people's mandate. But for that, free and fair elections have to be ensured," Adhikari added.

The BJP's state executive committee session occurred shortly after the party's loss of three assembly seats to the TMC in recent bypolls, following a disappointing performance in the parliamentary elections, where their tally dropped to 12 from 18 in 2019.

Reacting to Adhikari's remarks, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, "BJP is trying to find excuses to pacify their own cadre base following the Lok Sabha debacle in the state."