Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced 40 high-profile BJP campaigners for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, including Bollywood stars and political heavyweights. The list, revealed on Monday, includes actors like Mithun Chakraborty and sports icons such as Leander Paes, highlighting the party’s strategy to mobilise a broad base of support across the state. The move comes as the BJP seeks to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress, which has held power in West Bengal since 2011.
Stars and Stripes: BJP's Campaign Strategy
The BJP’s campaign team includes a mix of celebrities, former politicians, and party leaders, aiming to connect with voters through familiar faces. Mithun Chakraborty, a veteran actor with a strong regional following, and Leander Paes, a tennis legend, are among the most prominent names. The party has also included Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who will lead efforts in key constituencies. The strategy is to blend political messaging with cultural appeal, particularly in urban centres like Kolkata and Howrah.
Modi, who has been a central figure in the campaign, will address rallies in several districts, including Malda and Cooch Behar, where the BJP has been trying to make inroads. The party’s focus on youth and urban voters is evident in the selection of names like cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who is expected to campaign in the state’s southern districts.
Local Impact: What Voters Are Saying
In Kolkata, where the BJP has traditionally struggled, residents like Anjali Das, a 35-year-old teacher, say the star power could influence younger voters. “I don’t know if I will vote for the BJP, but I can’t ignore the presence of these big names,” she said. However, many locals remain loyal to the Trinamool Congress, which has invested heavily in welfare schemes and local infrastructure. The party’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, has also brought in her own set of high-profile allies, including actor Abhishek Bachchan and cricketer Sourav Ganguly.
The presence of these figures has also sparked debates about the role of celebrities in politics. “It’s a new way to reach people, but it’s also a way to distract from real issues,” said Ravi Kumar, a political analyst based in Howrah. “The real test will be whether these campaigns translate into actual policy changes.”
Yogi Adityanath’s Influence: A Regional Ripple Effect
While the focus is on West Bengal, the involvement of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the campaign has raised questions about the BJP’s regional strategy. Adityanath, known for his strong stance on law and order, has been seen as a key figure in mobilising support in Hindi-speaking areas. His influence is expected to help the BJP in districts like Bardhaman and Murshidabad, where Hindi is widely spoken.
However, the BJP’s efforts are not without challenges. The party has faced criticism for its handling of the 2021 West Bengal elections, where it lost several key constituencies. Analysts suggest that the star campaigners are a response to this setback, aiming to reinvigorate the party’s image and attract a younger, more diverse electorate.
Urban vs. Rural Divide
The campaign has also highlighted the growing divide between urban and rural voters. In cities like Kolkata and Siliguri, where the BJP has made some gains, the star power is more effective. However, in rural areas, where the Trinamool Congress has deep roots, the party’s traditional grassroots network remains a challenge. The BJP has responded by increasing its presence in village-level meetings and local festivals, where it hopes to build a stronger base.
Despite these efforts, the Trinamool Congress has continued to dominate in rural regions, where it has implemented welfare schemes such as the “Anandam” program for farmers and the “Aam Admi” scheme for the poor. These initiatives have helped the party retain its support among lower-income groups.
What’s Next for the Election?
The BJP’s campaign will intensify in the coming weeks, with rallies and public meetings scheduled across the state. The final phase of campaigning is expected to begin in mid-April, with the election date set for April 28. Voters will be closely watching how the star campaigners perform in their respective constituencies and whether their presence can shift the political landscape.
With the state’s 294 assembly seats at stake, the outcome of the election could have a significant impact on the national political scene. The BJP’s performance in West Bengal will be a key indicator of its ability to expand beyond its traditional strongholds in northern and western India.
