Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Saturday for a two-day visit, marking a significant moment in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) political campaign ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Shah was welcomed at the airport by BJP’s West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and several other senior party leaders. The visit has energized the state BJP leadership, who see it as a strategic move to kickstart preparations for reclaiming power in the state.
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul voiced strong optimism about the party’s prospects, stating, “People of Bengal are desperate for change. 2026 belongs to the BJP.” Drawing a contrast with the Mamata Banerjee-led state government, she remarked, “Unlike the Congress during the 26/11 attack, Mamata Banerjee didn’t want retaliation—but PM Modi’s government avenged the Pahalgam terror attack.”
Echoing the sentiment, BJP MP Saumitra Khan said, “The people are excited about Amit Shah’s visit. We are confident of forming the next government in 2026.” He also launched a sharp critique of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of misleading the public, disrespecting law enforcement, and favoring outsiders. “She has fooled the people of Bengal… she favors Rohingyas and Bangladeshis and doesn’t respect women,” Khan alleged.
BJP MP Locket Chatterjee underlined the symbolic importance of Shah’s visit following Operation Sindoor. “It is a proud moment for us. Amit Shah’s presence here boosts our morale. BJP will form the government in 2026,” she said.
Amid Shah’s visit, the BJP announced Ashish Ghosh as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Kaliganj Assembly constituency, scheduled for June 19. The seat became vacant after the death of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed. The counting of votes will take place on June 23.
In response, the TMC announced Alifa Ahmed as its candidate for the bypoll. The party shared the news via an official post on its ‘X’ handle, saying, “Under the inspiration and guidance of Chairperson Mamata Banerjee, we are pleased to announce our candidate for the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly by-election.”
The Kaliganj bypoll holds considerable significance for the ruling TMC amid rising tensions and scrutiny over recent incidents in the state, particularly the violence in Murshidabad.
With political temperatures rising, Shah’s visit signals the BJP’s renewed focus on West Bengal, setting the stage for an intense battle in the run-up to 2026.
