‘Born in a Hindu family, we will vote for the lotus’: Medinipur wall writing sparks row

A wall writing in the Golapichak area of Medinipur town in Paschim Medinipur district has triggered political controversy ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The slogan reads, “Born in a Hindu family, we will vote for the lotus flower,” accompanied by a large depiction of the lotus, the election symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The message has drawn allegations that it appeals for votes on religious grounds.

The controversy comes at a time when political parties have intensified their outreach campaigns, even as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is underway. While wall writings and campaign messages are common during election season, critics argue that this particular slogan signals communal division and may influence the electoral atmosphere.

Sujay Hazra, president of the Medinipur District Trinamool Congress and an MLA, alleged that a particular party has long practiced religion-based politics. He claimed such wall writings were not previously seen in Bengal and accused the party of attempting to secure votes through religious identity rather than development and governance.

Leaders of the Left in Paschim Medinipur also condemned the slogan, describing it as unconstitutional and contrary to democratic principles. District-level leaders demanded that the administration probe the matter and take appropriate action, stating that elections are a democratic exercise where divisive messaging should have no place.

The BJP, however, distanced itself from the controversy. District vice president Shankar Guchhait said he was unaware of who wrote the slogan and maintained that the message does not state that other communities should refrain from voting. The issue has also drawn mixed reactions among voters, with some expressing concern over what they described as increasing religious polarization in politics.