BJP workers surround state vice president in Medinipur, allege neglect ahead of polls

Signs of internal discord within the Bharatiya Janata Party came to the fore on Saturday evening after state vice president Raju Bandyopadhyay was gheraoed by a section of party workers in Keshiary, West Medinipur. The incident occurred when he arrived in the Nachipur area to take part in the party’s ‘Griha Sampark Abhiyan’ outreach programme.

According to reports, some local BJP workers surrounded his vehicle and staged a protest, alleging that they were not informed about the meeting despite being long-time party workers. They claimed that many among them had faced multiple cases during political struggles but were excluded from organisational discussions and events.

Protesters further alleged that factionalism within the party is increasing ahead of the Assembly elections and that grassroots workers are being sidelined. Former booth president Basudev Singh accused the state leadership of organising programmes without consulting local functionaries, leading to growing resentment at the ground level.

No official statement has been issued by Raju Bandyopadhyay or the district BJP leadership regarding the incident. Meanwhile, Keshiary MLA Paresh Murmu of the All India Trinamool Congress criticised the BJP, claiming the episode reflected a lack of unity within the party.