Amit Shah real Chanakya in Bengal (Img: Internet)
Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party’s strong performance in West Bengal has sparked discussion around the role played by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is widely seen as the chief strategist behind the campaign.
Party insiders suggest that Shah led the effort with a focused and hands-on approach from the outset. After the election schedule was announced on March 15, Shah is believed to have taken direct control of campaign planning, closely monitoring developments and adjusting strategies in real time.
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According to party sources, Shah set an ambitious target of 170 seats and calibrated the campaign region by region. His focus was particularly sharp during the early phases, especially in constituencies where the All India Trinamool Congress was perceived to be weaker.
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Regular reviews and rapid adjustments helped the BJP maintain momentum. Political observers note that the campaign was marked by flexibility, with messaging and outreach tailored to local dynamics.
Analysts believe that Mamata Banerjee and her party focused heavily on criticising the BJP and its leadership rather than highlighting governance achievements. This approach, experts say, allowed the BJP to counterattack effectively and reshape the narrative.
The TMC’s warnings about cultural and social changes under a BJP government were addressed directly in Shah’s speeches. He repeatedly assured voters that the state’s cultural identity would be preserved.
Shah also emphasised regional pride, highlighting Bengal’s contributions to India’s freedom movement and cultural legacy. He assured voters that any BJP-led government in the state would have a chief minister rooted in Bengali identity.
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Key national issues such as illegal border infiltration, the Uniform Civil Code, and social reforms were also central to his campaign messaging, along with criticism of the TMC’s governance.
Over more than six weeks, Shah addressed around 100 rallies, roadshows, and public meetings across the state. His campaign also focused on high-profile constituencies, including Bhabanipur, where Banerjee was contesting.
The election also saw the continued decline of traditional players like the Left Front and the Congress, which struggled to make an impact. As the results unfolded, many credited Shah’s strategic approach for reshaping the political contest in West Bengal.
