BJP's Muslim outreach: 650 candidates in Bengal panchayat elections

• BJP Aims to Attract Minorities in Bengal Panchayat Elections 2023, fields Muslim Candidates on 650 Seats for 2023 Bengal Panchayat elections 
• Charles Nandi, the President of the BJP Minority Cell, optimistically states, "The minority community has not turned away from the BJP. This gives us great hope"
• Nandi emphasizes Murshidabad and Birbhum districts have witnessed the highest number of BJP minority candidates

In an effort to expand its support base, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal has actively sought to woo the minority community ahead of the Panchayat elections, nominating Muslim candidates on as many as 650 seats hoping for a favorable outcome.

With approximately 30% of the state's population belonging to the Muslim community, the Trinamool Congress has consistently enjoyed the backing of the Muslim community, be it in the Lok Sabha elections, state assembly elections, or local body elections. Recognizing the significance of this support, the BJP has now intensified its efforts to attract Muslim voters.

According to sources, the BJP has fielded 650 minority candidates in the upcoming Panchayat elections. The party claims that it would have preferred a higher number, but due to the fear of backlash from the Trinamool Congress, they had to exercise caution. However, the significant representation of young and female candidates among the minority nominees has pleased the Bengal BJP leaders. Charles Nandi, the President of the BJP Minority Cell, expressed his optimism, stating, "The minority community has not turned away from the BJP. This gives us great hope. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this number will increase further.

Nandi emphasized that the BJP is gradually dispelling the fears harbored by the minority community, adding, "We cannot mislead the minorities for long. Their trust in the BJP is growing." Murshidabad and Birbhum districts have witnessed the highest number of BJP minority candidates. In a strategic move, BJP leaders were directed to establish direct contact with members of the minority community in various parts of the state a few days ago.

Earlier, when actor-turned-politician Mithun Chakraborty visited West Bengal, he stated that the BJP had never been against Muslims. He expressed his desire to convey this message to Muslim brothers and sisters. Chakraborty also highlighted the victories of the BJP in states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, asserting that the party's success was a result of Muslim support.

While some minority activists had recently been observed switching their allegiance from the Trinamool Congress to the BJP, Shyamik Bhattacharya, a BJP leader, stated, "Our organization is growing. This time, minorities are joining the BJP, leaving aside misconceptions."

Bhattacharya emphasized that other parties merely use minorities for their votes, whereas the BJP's objective is the development of the minority community. In the Panchayat elections, the BJP has fielded candidates on 64% of the seats, as opposed to 46% in the 2018 elections. The final verdict of the electorate will determine the outcome.