The BJP has tried to counter the TMC’s claims by injecting much of Bengali sentiment and symbolism into Prime Minister Modi’s campaign for the Lok Sabha polls in the state. (News18)
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2024: The slogan, which means “Modi is in the hearts of Bengalis”, is seen as an effort on the part of the BJP to build an emotional bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bengalis, countering the TMC’s campaign to portray the BJP and the Prime Minister as “outsiders” in Bengal.
The BJP has come up with a new election slogan for Bengal, which was seen widely during a spirited roadshow led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Kolkata’s Shyambazar Five Points Junction on Tuesday. “Bangalir Monet Modi” Or “Modi has a place in the hearts of Bengalis.”
The slogan is seen as an effort by the BJP to establish an emotional bond between Modi and the people of Bengal, countering the TMC’s campaign to portray the BJP and the prime minister as “outsiders” in Bengal. In the 2021 state assembly elections, chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee also called the BJP “the leader of the BJP.”Bahari While calling itself the “Outsider Party,” “Bangla nigel mayeke che.” (Bengali wants his own daughter).
To counter the TMC’s claims, the BJP has included many Bengali sentiments and symbols in Modi’s campaign for the state assembly elections, and the prime minister himself has used more Bengali phrases in his speeches than before, which the party said seemed to resonate with people.
“This time, Modi held many public meetings in Bengal and each time we saw a huge number of Bengalis greeting him in different ways. We realised that Modi has a place in the hearts of Bengalis. That’s why we came up with this slogan which has already become a huge hit. Modi is in the hearts of people,” BJP state leader Sukant Majumdar told News18.
Political observers say the BJP is giving more weight to the “Bangaliana” (Bengali culture) element in this election campaign. The new slogan is a big part of its public relations drive ahead of the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in areas better associated with “Bangaliana” – Kolkata, South 24 Palghan and North 24 Palghan.
The Chief Minister on Tuesday began his campaign in support of BJP candidate Tapas Roy from Shambazar Five Point Crossing and ended at Shimla Road, known for the ancestral residence of Swami Vivekananda.
We protect your loved ones @NarendraModi We always do our best pic.twitter.com/dOKJL6qA1y— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) May 28, 2024
PM Modi stood atop a decorated car resplendent in saffron and adorned with flowers and images of lotuses, the election symbol of the PM and the BJP. As the motorcade moved through the busy streets, PM Modi waved to crowds that had gathered on both sides of the street. Women supporters clad in saffron saris also joined the colourful procession.
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