Union Home Minister Amit Shah's scheduled tour of Bengal has been abruptly cancelled, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to visit the state on March 6 instead. Originally slated for February 28, Shah's tour cancellation comes amidst speculations citing logistical issues and reluctance from state leadership. Modi's revised itinerary includes attending a women's rally in Barasat to address concerns over the Sandeshkhali incident, a move aimed at amplifying the BJP's stance against the administration.
The sudden cancellation of Amit Shah's tour raises questions, with BJP sources attributing it to a combination of inadequate communication and the party's strategy to escalate the Sandeshkhali movement. The BJP's decision to shift focus from a localized issue to a broader 'extremist' movement, coupled with frequent street protests, necessitated state leadership's full attention, potentially influencing Shah's decision to defer his visit. Shah's absence marks another postponement, following similar cancellations in November, December, and January.