Smriti Irani leaves Poila Boishakh event midway in Hooghly amid BJP rift over arrangements

A political controversy has erupted in Hooghly after senior BJP leader Smriti Irani abruptly left a Poila Boishakh event midway, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with local arrangements. The incident, which took place in Chinsurah, has triggered discussions about internal coordination issues within the party during a crucial election period.

Irani had arrived at Ghori More to attend a party programme and inaugurate the “Annapurna Bhandar” initiative. However, according to accounts from the ground, she found key district leaders absent upon her arrival, including the district president. There were also concerns over the lack of proper reception and organisational preparedness, which reportedly left her displeased.

Sources indicated that despite efforts by party workers to persuade her to continue, Irani chose to leave the venue without addressing the gathering. The disruption also affected a New Year “Shankhanad” procession linked to the programme, which lost momentum after her early departure. The scheduled speech and formal inauguration had to be handled by local leadership in her absence.

The incident has drawn attention as it comes amid intensified campaigning ahead of the state elections. While local BJP leaders attempted to downplay the situation, stating that Irani had another engagement, the episode has raised questions about internal coordination and unity within the party’s Hooghly unit. Political observers believe such developments could have implications during an already high-stakes electoral contest.