“BJP is not a dharamshala, no entry for overnight turncoats”: Samik Bhattacharya

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya issued a warning against large-scale political defections after the party’s Assembly election victory, stating that the BJP would not accept leaders or workers from other parties without approval from the organisation. During the party’s first formal meeting after the election results, the BJP leadership announced that no new members would be inducted into the party for the time being and warned office-bearers against unilateral decisions regarding inductions.

Samik Bhattacharya said the BJP was “not a dharamshala” where anyone could simply walk in after a change in political power. He stated that the party would not open its doors to individuals allegedly involved in violence against BJP workers, corruption, extortion, syndicate operations or intimidation. He described the BJP as an organisation based on ideology, policies and national interest rather than a platform for political opportunism.

Following the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections on May 4, several political and organisational changes were reportedly witnessed across the state. According to party leaders, offices and establishments that had previously displayed Trinamool Congress symbols began displaying BJP flags and photographs of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari after the election results. BJP leaders said there had been a rush among alleged Trinamool supporters to join the saffron party after the change in power.

The BJP leadership said stricter organisational rules were being introduced to prevent what leaders described as the “Trinamoolisation” of the party. Workers were instructed not to occupy opposition offices, trade union premises or properties belonging to rival political organisations. The party also announced disciplinary action against workers or leaders found involved in extortion, syndicate activities or anti-party conduct. A disciplinary committee has been formed to monitor organisational activities and the conduct of party functionaries.

Senior BJP leader Sunil Bansal also directed the Bengal BJP unit to form 15-member district core committees by May 25. District presidents were instructed to avoid taking unilateral decisions and instead function collectively through the committees. The party additionally revised banner and poster guidelines, directing that photographs of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari should appear before those of the state BJP president on official party materials. Leaders were also asked to identify 100 active workers in every district ahead of upcoming municipal and panchayat elections.