Latest news with #JaiMaDurga
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Will compel BJP to chant our ‘Jai Bangla' slogan after 2026 Assembly polls: Abhishek Banerjee
Kolkata: The BJP will be compelled to chant the 'Jai Bangla' slogan after the West Bengal Assembly election scheduled next year, Trinamool Congress' general secretary and the party's Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee said on Monday. 'Already, the BJP has started realising the importance of admiring the Bengali culture. So they have started chanting 'Jai Ma Durga' and 'Jai Ma Kali'. Take my word, we will make them chant our slogan of 'Jai Bangla' after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. They will lose whatever little presence they have in the West Bengal Assembly next year,' Abhishek Banerjee said, while addressing Trinamool Congress' annual Martyrs' Day rally in central Kolkata. However, there are controversies over whether the slogan of 'Jai Bangla' was an original coinage of the Trinamool Congress. Critics claim that this particular slogan had been traditionally chanted by the leaders and supporters of Bangladesh's former ruling party, Awami League, since the slogan was first chanted by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect behind the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation after erstwhile East Pakistan was liberated from Pakistan. Speaking at the rally, Abhishek Banerjee said that the BJP is attempting nationwide to send Bengali-speaking people to detention camps. 'They want to send the entire population of West Bengal to detention camps. But after the 2026 Assembly elections, the people of West Bengal will send the BJP to those detention camps,' he said. According to him, two 'E' are the tools of the BJP and the Union Government. 'One 'E' is the Enforcement Directorate (ED), through which they are harassing the opposition party leaders. The second 'E' is the Election Commission of India (ECI), through which they are trying to manipulate voters' lists in different states. But we are not scared. I am also asking the people of West Bengal not to be scared,' the Trinamool Congress general secretary said. He concluded his speech by saying that after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Trinamool Congress' next target would be to oust the BJP from New Delhi in the next Lok Sabha elections. 'Raise the slogan of 'Jai Bangla' in such a manner that its impact shakes New Delhi,' he said.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
BJP Banking On Bengal-Based Leaders For 2026 Poll Campaign
Last Updated: Observers suggest that this tactical pivot reflects a recognition of the need for stronger local resonance With the Bengal assembly elections to be held in 2026, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have demonstrably begun to lay the groundwork for what promises to be another high-stakes electoral battle. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Mamata Banerjee effectively set the tone for their respective parties, actively engaging in strategies designed to energise their cadres and sway the electorate. The BJP, in particular, is signalling a significant shift in its campaign playbook for West Bengal. Sources indicate a deliberate move to empower and prioritise Bengal-based leaders to spearhead the ground campaign. This strategy aims to ensure that leaders deeply rooted in the state's cultural fabric will drive door-to-door outreach and orchestrate large-scale campaign events. While national 'star campaigners" like Prime Minister Modi and union home minister Amit Shah will maintain their usual impactful visits, the party plans to reduce the reliance on leaders brought in from other states. The emphasis, this time, is squarely on Bengali or Bangla-bhashi leaders to connect more organically with the local populace. Observers suggest that this tactical pivot reflects a recognition of the need for stronger local resonance. Any election for the BJP typically involves massive logistical planning and the deployment of teams from across the country to the target state. However, for Bengal 2026, leaders with stronger Bengali connections are being strategically prioritised. Names currently circulating as potential key campaigners include Tripura chief minister Manik Saha and MP Biplab Deb, both with strong regional appeal. Assam's Pabitra Margherita, known for his Bengali heritage, is also likely to be involved, alongside Jharkhand's Annapurna Devi and former union minister Smriti Irani, who has cultivated a notable rapport with the people of Bengal. This strategic adjustment aligns with Prime Minister Modi's recent directive on Friday, urging party workers to focus intensely on the 'Bengali asmita" (pride) agenda. During a rally in Durgapur, PM Modi emphasised the BJP's commitment to Bengal's identity, history, and development, directly countering the TMC's narrative. He began his address with traditional Bengali chants of 'Jai Ma Kali, Jai Ma Durga" and accused the TMC of hindering Bengal's progress while encouraging illegal infiltration. Party insiders further affirm that the over 50 BJP MLAs currently holding seats in the assembly will play a crucial role, working diligently to retain their constituencies and serving as vital grassroots connectors in the upcoming campaign. The TMC, under chief minister Mamata Banerjee, is also actively consolidating its base, with party leaders like Abhishek Banerjee setting ambitious targets for a fourth consecutive term, promising to counter the BJP's narrative and protect Bengal's interests. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 07:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Jai Shri Ram Vs Jai Ma Kali: BJP Looks To Connect With Bengali 'Asmita', TMC Mocks 'Imitation'
TMC plans to set a narrative that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram', has been compelled to adopt chants like 'Jai Ma Kali' under its influence The day Samik Bhattacharya was picked and felicitated as the Bengal president of BJP, the presence of Ma Kali's image on stage had sparked wide discussions. Now, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Durgapur, the display of Matri Shakti (divine feminine power) was seen in full force. Starting his speech in Durgapur, PM Modi raised the slogans 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai," followed by 'Jai Ma Durga, Jai Ma Kali". Not only did he raise these chants during his address, but this time, the BJP's official invitation also carried the words 'Jai Ma Durga" and 'Jai Ma Kali". Sensing an opportunity, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is planning to take up the issue strongly. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, 'The prime minister says he wants development. But what does development mean? It means Mamata Banerjee and her government—Maa, Mati, Manush. It was there, it is there, and it will remain. But what has changed? PM Modi. Earlier it was Jai Shri Ram, now it has become Jai Ma Kali. Has PM Modi changed so much? They used to say Mamata Banerjee does not celebrate Durga Puja. Now, 11 years after becoming PM, Bengal has changed him." He added, 'Today, one good thing we observed was that 'Jai Shri Ram' was not uttered even once." TMC insiders reveal that the party plans to set a narrative suggesting that BJP, which once aggressively projected the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram", has now been compelled to adopt chants like 'Jai Ma Kali" and 'Jai Ma Durga" under TMC's influence. The party intends to position itself as understanding Bengali culture deeply, while portraying the BJP as an outsider merely imitating them. However, this theory is countered by another section of political analysts who argue that BJP's strategy is to connect with Bengali asmita (pride)—similar to their approach in Odisha—although the models in both states differ significantly. Over the past decade, the BJP has consistently tried to align with Bengali cultural identity. This time, their focus on the Bengali Renaissance and cultural heritage is aimed at appealing to the bhadra lok (educated middle class). Chants like 'Jai Ma Kali" and 'Jai Ma Durga" resonate deeply with the masses of Bengal, experts say, and this is part of BJP's strategy to establish a cultural connect. However, they clarify that this does not imply 'Jai Shri Ram" is losing relevance. After all, Bengal's biggest festival, Durga Puja, has its mythological roots in Akalabodhana [worship of goddess Durga] by Lord Ram, establishing a strong narrative link. Experts assert that BJP's Bengali asmita agenda is clear—the party will continue to weave cultural, religious, and regional pride into its political messaging in every possible way. view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 11:03 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
TMC lauds PM's ‘poribartan'
Kolkata: on Friday feted the "poribartan (change)" in Prime Minister hours after he began his speech at Durgapur with "Jai Ma Kali, Jai Ma Durga". "The PM said he wants poribartan (change). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But what has changed? The change has come in Narendra Modi. He has shifted from chanting 'Jai Sri Ram' to 'Jai Ma Kali' and 'Jai Ma Durga'. Such a transformation shows Bengal's soil has changed him," Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said at a press meet where 'singara' and 'jalebi' were served to all as a reminder to the now-withdrawn diktat against these traditional Indian snacks by the central govt. Accusing of using God as "a political brand ambassador" and, therefore, leaning on Lord Ram, Ghosh said, "Some leaders on the dais chanted Jai Sri Ram today as well, but the PM quickly made his stance clear by paying homage to Ma Kali and Ma Durga." At the same press meet, minister Chandrima Bhattacharya slammed the PM for claiming that youth were fleeing the state due to a lack of jobs. "Bengali labourers are skilled, which is why they work all over India," she said, and drawing attention to the harassment of Bengali-speaking workers in BJP-governed states, she added, "You are hindering the right to speech and movement. You are insulting Bengalis. Your double-engine govts are expelling Bengalis, labelling them Rohingya. It is clear that you are under pressure to learn Bengali. Why didn't you criticise the expelling of Bengalis from BJP-governed states?" In a post on X, Trinamool Congress also demanded answers to five questions: "Is speaking Bangla a crime? If yes, does that make him a criminal too for singing the National Anthem and National Song, both written in Bangla? If no, why are Bengali-speaking citizens being detained and deported in BJP-ruled states? Which provision of the Constitution allows state-sponsored persecution based on language? And does BJP truly believe this is how they'll earn the mandate of the people of Bengal?" Countering the PM's claims on women being unsafe in Bengal, Bhattacharya asked, "Do you have deep concern for women? What about the girl in Odisha who burned herself to death? You said nothing about her. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here, all crimes against women are taken seriously, with quick arrests, be it RG Kar or the law college incident. We criticise such crimes." Ghosh alleged the PM was engaging in political deceit since he had arrived in Bengal empty-handed, without settling the state's NREGA scheme dues worth Rs 1.7 lakh crores. "He spoke of an invisible Rs 5,000 crore and is spreading falsehoods. He promised 22 crore jobs, but in reality, only 22 lakh jobs were provided. He is only spreading lies. BJP will not even get 50 seats in the upcoming state election," he said. Earlier in the day, minister Sashi Panja criticised the Centre for their inability to nab the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack. "It has been 88 days since 26 people were brutally killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, yet the nation has received no answers. Who allowed terrorists to infiltrate 200 km, kill, and vanish undetected? If this is a security lapse, it is also a grave intelligence failure. Bengal demands to know, where are the attackers? What happened after the sketches were released? Silence is not an option," she said.
