1 week ago
Bengal’s New BJP Government Faces Old Political Problems
West Bengal has a new government led by the BJP and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
He says people should wait longer than 100 days before deciding whether the government is successful.
Critics say early actions can still show the direction of a government.
One major dispute involves BJP leaders being appointed to run the governing bodies of 247 colleges.
Earlier, leaders had promised to keep political parties away from educational institutions.
The article also describes complaints of corruption and extortion linked to former Trinamool Congress members.
It says similar complaints are now being made against some BJP leaders.
Political observers believe Bengal’s different ruling parties have repeated some of the same governing habits.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 100 days were too short to judge his BJP government and set May 9, 2027, as his proposed one-year performance review.
Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay appointed BJP leaders as governing-body presidents at 247 colleges, reversing earlier assurances of political distance from education.
A complaint alleged that one MP and three MLAs among the appointees did not meet the minimum educational qualifications required for the posts.
The article says complaints and FIRs alleging corruption and extortion continue against former Trinamool Congress members, while similar allegations are now mounting against BJP leaders.
Observers argue that the CPM, Trinamool Congress and BJP have each repeated aspects of political control, campus influence, patronage and alleged extortion in Bengal.
- Who
- The BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, along with the earlier CPM and Trinamool Congress governments and their critics.
- What
- An analysis argues that Bengal’s new government is showing similarities to previous administrations, particularly in education-sector appointments, political influence and allegations of extortion.
- Where
- Bengal, including colleges across the state and police stations in Kolkata.
- When
- The BJP government had completed 100 days on August 17; Adhikari said he would be assessed after one year on May 9, 2027.
- Why
- Critics point to appointments of BJP leaders in college governing bodies and allegations involving political control, corruption and extortion.
Critics and observers
Government and BJP position
Timing of judgment
Critics and observers
Critics argue that the government’s early actions can indicate its direction and say it is already attracting criticism.
Government and BJP position
Suvendu Adhikari says 100 days is too short to assess the government and has proposed a review after completing one year.
Political role in education
Critics and observers
Critics say appointing BJP leaders to governing bodies of 247 colleges contradicts promises to keep educational institutions outside the ruling party’s influence.
Government and BJP position
The appointments were announced by Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay; the article does not provide a detailed justification from the minister or the appointees.
Continuity versus change
Critics and observers
Political observers cited in the article argue that the BJP is repeating patterns associated with the CPM and Trinamool Congress, including political influence, patronage and alleged extortion.
Government and BJP position
Subhamoy Maitra says the BJP can still focus on its promise of good governance and deliver, indicating that there remains an opportunity for the government to change course.
Key facts
- Chief minister
- Suvendu Adhikari
- Government assessed
- BJP government in Bengal
- College appointments
- BJP leaders were appointed governing-body presidents of 247 colleges
- Qualifications complaint
- A complaint alleged that one MP and three MLAs among the appointees lacked the required minimum educational qualification
- Earlier ruling parties
- The article compares the BJP’s conduct with that of the CPM and Trinamool Congress
- Reported police cases
- Around 10 FIRs were filed across multiple Kolkata police stations in about two weeks against former Trinamool members, including cases alleging extortion
- Stated review date
- Adhikari said he would face a performance assessment on May 9, 2027
Quotes
A Trinamool Congress MLA from the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction
Opposition legislator speaking privately about the BJP government
“On May 9, 2027, I will complete one year in office. That day, I will sit for an exam. You will give me marks in that exam. If I do not score nine out of 10, I will accept my failure.”
telegraphindia.com
“The government is not going in the right direction. People have started speaking against it. This did not happen so early when we were in power.”
telegraphindia.com
Subhamoy Maitra
Political analyst
“The BJP is inviting unnecessary criticism. They can still focus on the promise of good governance and deliver. There is still hope.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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