BJP MLA sparks controversy in Bankura with financial reward for membership drive, District leadership unaware

BJP MLA Niladrishekh Dhana from Bankura has stirred controversy with his recent announcement regarding financial incentives and Modi jackets for party workers participating in the BJP's ongoing membership drive. According to a post shared by the MLA, booth presidents who collect 150 members by December 30 would receive a Modi jacket, and those who collect 75 members would be awarded 100 rupees. This move is part of the larger BJP membership drive happening nationwide, where specific targets for membership collection have been set for leaders and workers.

Reports indicate that the Bankura district has not yet met its assigned membership target, which has led to concerns within the local BJP leadership. To address this, Dhana urged party workers, including office-bearers, strength center heads, and other members, to gather a set number of members by the deadline, or face potential consequences, including the loss of their positions. The MLA’s post emphasized that fulfilling the membership target was crucial to maintaining their positions within the party.

However, the announcement has created confusion and discomfort within the local BJP leadership. The district president clarified that while workers who exceed membership targets are traditionally honored with a scarf (Uttariya), there has never been any official policy of offering financial rewards for membership collection. The district president also stated that they were unaware of Dhana's specific reward system and emphasized that this approach deviates from the party’s established practices.

The announcement has not only raised concerns within the party but has also attracted criticism from opposition parties. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), the ruling party in West Bengal, has expressed skepticism over the BJP’s ability to attract new members. The TMC has questioned the need for financial incentives, suggesting that the BJP's failure to engage with the public is becoming evident. The opposition party has also criticized the BJP's reliance on financial rewards, arguing that it reflects the party's declining influence in the region.

With the deadline of December 30 fast approaching, the Bankura BJP leadership now faces the challenge of clarifying the party's position on Dhana’s rewards system. The outcome of this controversy will have implications for the BJP's efforts to strengthen its base in Bankura, and whether such incentives will be adopted as part of the party's official membership drive strategy.