Kolkata, 21 March (H.S.):

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and former state chief Rahul Sinha on Saturday alleged that issues like divisive politics, communal polarisation and illegal infiltration have long been ignored in the state.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s Salt Lake office, Bhattacharya said demographic changes in border areas and unchecked infiltration could lead to serious social and security concerns in the future.

He criticised the use of a religious platform for political remarks against the prime minister, calling it against political decorum, and said there has traditionally been an all-party consensus on matters of foreign policy and international relations.

Reiterating the party’s stand on illegal infiltration, he said the BJP would adhere to its “detect, delete and deport” policy without any compromise.

During the briefing, Sinha announced that Zilla Parishad member Swapan Bhattacharya from Purbasthali had quit the Trinamool Congress and rejoined the BJP, terming it a significant indicator of the state’s evolving political situation.

He also referred to recent corruption-related arrests in the state, saying these developments have raised questions of accountability. He alleged that there had long been concerns over transparency in the electoral process, but added that stricter monitoring by the Election Commission was bringing changes.

Sinha said a transparent revision of electoral rolls could significantly alter the political landscape in the state.

Referring to the RG Kar hospital incident, he expressed concern over the healthcare system and termed it a reflection of administrative failure.

The BJP leaders claimed that people of West Bengal are ready for change and that it would be reflected democratically in the upcoming elections.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey