As India braces itself for the culmination of yet another crucial electoral process, the political landscape witnesses a pivotal moment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic visit to Kolkata. Set against the backdrop of the final phase of elections, PM Modi’s presence in the vibrant city of Kolkata underscores the significance of West Bengal in shaping the nation’s future trajectory. This article delves into the implications of PM Modi’s visit, the strategic manoeuvres at play, and the resonance it holds in the realm of Indian politics.
Table of Contents
PM Modi’s Strategic Gambit:
PM Modi’s visit to Kolkata ahead of the last phase of elections is more than just a routine campaign trail. It signifies a calculated move aimed at consolidating support, rallying voters, and bolstering the electoral prospects of his party. With West Bengal emerging as a key battleground state, PM Modi’s presence on the ground is a testament to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to secure a significant foothold in the region. We all know that BJP wants to win at least 30 seats in West Bengal.
Bharatiya Janata Party has been fighting for a long time to capture the ground in West Bengal. They won 18 seats in the last Lok Sabha elections but this time they are aiming for 30 seats. They have been trying for a long time. West Bengal opposition leader Subhendu Adhikari is giving a message through various rallies that they will get 30 seats.
Their only aim is to remove the Trinamool Congress government from West Bengal. So we have sometimes seen Narendra Modi, Amit Saha or sometimes BJP’s All India President coming to West Bengal and holding meetings. We have all seen Mithun Chakraborty, a star from Bengal, in various meetings of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Addressing Key Issues:
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to address a myriad of pressing issues that resonate with the people of West Bengal. From infrastructure development to socio-economic empowerment, PM Modi’s speeches are likely to strike a chord with voters by highlighting the BJP’s vision for a prosperous and inclusive Bengal. Additionally, PM Modi’s focus on national security and counterterrorism resonates strongly with voters, particularly in the wake of recent geopolitical developments.
After Narendra Modi came on this day, he talked about the various scandals of the current state government like job scams, cow smuggling scams, Amphan scams and the infamous case of Sandeshkhali, which was talked about all over the country. He criticised criminals like Shahjahan Sheikh and marked in his speech about the guarantee of safety of the women in West Bengal.
Cultural Connect and Symbolism:
Beyond the realm of politics, PM Modi’s visit to Kolkata holds symbolic significance, rooted in the cultural ethos and historical legacy of the city. Kolkata, often dubbed as the ‘cultural capital of India,’ serves as a poignant backdrop for PM Modi’s outreach efforts, allowing him to connect with voters on a deeper level. By invoking the rich heritage of Bengal and paying homage to its luminaries, PM Modi reinforces the cultural bonds that bind the nation together.
A few days ago, we heard that Mamata Banerjee made some controversial comments about the monks of West Bengal and even the name of the Ramakrishna Mission in one of her meetings. We also saw protests by monks and their followers on the 24th of May for that comment. On the other hand, Narendra Modi organized his entire plan keeping this Ramakrishna Mission controversy in mind while holding his grand rally in Kolkata.
Narendra Modi has visited various famous places of Ramakrishna Mission like Ma Sarada’s house in Bagbazar, the very famous Balram temple in Kolkata and Swami Vivekananda’s house. According to political analysts, this is a clever move by the BJP. BJP wants to prove that on the one hand, the daughter of Bengal, the Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, is insulting the Ramakrishna Mission and other monks along with the great man of Bengal, Swami Vivekananda, on the other hand, how much respect Narendra Modi is showing to this mission.
Here are some posts by Narendra Modi on his X handle.
Countering Opposition Narrative:
PM Modi’s visit to Kolkata also serves as a strategic counter to the opposition’s narrative, particularly in the face of formidable adversaries in the region. By engaging directly with the electorate and articulating his vision for Bengal’s future, PM Modi aims to dispel misconceptions and address any lingering scepticism surrounding his party’s agenda. Moreover, PM Modi’s proactive approach underscores the BJP’s resolve to challenge the entrenched political dynamics in West Bengal. He made it clear in his speech that he strongly condemned the way in which billions of people’s money, the money of poor people, was stolen.
Conclusion:
As the curtains draw close on the electoral spectacle in West Bengal, PM Modi’s visit to Kolkata emerges as a defining moment in India’s political landscape. Beyond the realm of electoral politics, PM Modi’s outreach efforts underscore a broader narrative of national resurgence, economic revitalisation, and cultural renaissance. With the final phase of elections looming large, PM Modi’s strategic gambit in Kolkata sets the stage for a transformative chapter in India’s journey towards progress and prosperity.