On the first day of the Bengal BJP’s two-day brainstorming session, tensions ran high as party leaders gathered to dissect the reasons behind their dismal performance in the state’s recent elections. The session was prompted by the party’s loss of three assembly seats to the TMC in by-polls, exacerbating concerns following a decline from 18 to 12 seats in the parliamentary elections.
Senior BJP leader and MP Saumitra Khan emphasized the urgent need for leadership change within the state organization. “There is a clear demand for accountability and a change in leadership following our disappointing performance. The electorate has sent us a message,” he asserted.
Another senior leader, speaking anonymously, underscored the necessity for a complete overhaul of the state unit in light of the electoral setbacks. “To make an impact in the 2026 assembly polls, we must swiftly reorganize. Those responsible for decisions must take accountability and step down,” the leader insisted.
Former BJP MP Arjun Singh, acknowledging the party’s shortcomings, stressed the importance of addressing organizational challenges promptly. “We must acknowledge our weaknesses, organizational or otherwise, and rectify them well before the 2026 assembly elections,” Singh remarked.
Addressing the session’s opening, BJP state president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar acknowledged the setback but cautioned against viewing it as a reflection of the party’s overall standing in Bengal. “While our seat count has decreased to 12 from 18, we need to analyze what went wrong. Despite challenges, we garnered approximately 39% of the vote share,” he pointed out.
Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, clarified his role in the party’s state performance, asserting that he was not directly responsible for organizational matters. “I am the Leader of the Opposition and have not criticized the party. I do not oversee organizational aspects,” Adhikari clarified.
Responding to criticism, Majumdar defended the organizational setup’s role in electoral outcomes. “When a party wins, organizational strength is praised; when it loses, it is criticized. However, organizational setup plays a modest role in election victories, around 10-25%,” he remarked, emphasizing Adhikari’s integral role in the core committee.
Amidst the internal review at Science City auditorium, a faction named ‘BJP Banchao Mancha’ staged a protest outside the party headquarters, demanding action against state leaders held responsible for the electoral downturn.
