Key Points
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah began a two-day visit to Kolkata, welcomed by top BJP leaders and amid high enthusiasm from party workers.
- BJP leaders predict a major power shift in West Bengal in the 2026 assembly elections, citing public demand for change.
- The visit comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Kaliaganj by-election scheduled for June 19 after the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed.
- BJP and TMC have announced their candidates: Ashish Ghosh (BJP) and Alifa Ahmed (TMC).
- Recent incidents like the Murshidabad violence have intensified the political battle, making the by-election a crucial test for both parties.
Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed in Kolkata on Saturday, kicking off a two-day visit that has electrified the political atmosphere in West Bengal. Greeted at the airport by Leader of Opposition Shubhendu Adhikari and other senior BJP leaders, Shah’s arrival signals the BJP’s renewed push to capture power in the state, with party leaders openly declaring that the 2026 assembly elections will bring a decisive change.
BJP’s Confidence Surges Ahead of 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made no secret of its ambitions for West Bengal. Leaders like Agnimitra Paul voiced the party’s confidence, stating, “The people of Bengal want change. The year 2026 will belong to BJP.” She criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led government for allegedly following Congress-style politics on terrorism and praised the Modi government’s strong response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
BJP MP Saumitra Khan echoed these sentiments, claiming that the people are “very excited” about Amit Shah’s visit and predicting a BJP government in 2026. He accused Mamata Banerjee of “misleading the people of Bengal,” favoring Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants, and neglecting women’s safety and the state police.
Locket Chatterjee, BJP MP, described Shah’s visit as a proud moment in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, calling it a “clear indication” of BJP’s growing strength and its readiness to form the next government.
By-Election Battle in Kaliaganj
Shah’s visit comes as the political spotlight turns to the upcoming Kaliaganj assembly by-election, scheduled for June 19. The seat became vacant following the death of TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed. The BJP has fielded Ashish Ghosh, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC), under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, has nominated Alifa Ahmed.
The by-election is being closely watched, not just as a contest for a single seat, but as an early indicator of the political winds ahead of 2026. The TMC is under fire for recent incidents such as the Murshidabad violence, and the BJP is framing the by-election as the “first step” towards a change in power in Bengal.
Political Stakes and Public Sentiment
The high-profile visit, coupled with the by-election, has energized BJP workers and supporters across the state. Rallies, strategy meetings, and public outreach programs are in full swing. The TMC, meanwhile, is fighting hard to maintain its dominance, emphasizing development and stability under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
Both parties recognize the significance of the Kaliaganj by-election as a litmus test for their respective strengths ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The outcome could set the tone for the next phase of West Bengal’s political battle.
Amit Shah’s visit to Kolkata has injected fresh momentum into the BJP’s campaign for West Bengal’s 2026 assembly elections. With the Kaliaganj by-election looming and political tensions running high, both BJP and TMC are pulling out all stops to win public support. The coming weeks promise to be a crucial chapter in Bengal’s evolving political story.
