2 hrs ago
BJP Says It Can Contest Kolkata, Howrah Polls Alone
The BJP is preparing for upcoming city elections in Kolkata and Howrah.
Its state leader, Samik Bhattacharya, said the BJP can fight these elections by itself.
He also said the party believes it can win control of both city corporations.
Another party called NCPI wants to contest with the BJP as part of the NDA.
Some BJP leaders are worried about working with former Trinamool Congress members who may be part of NCPI.
Bhattacharya said the BJP’s national leaders will make the final decision about any alliance.
An NCPI leader said the two parties would do better if they worked together.
The elections are scheduled for November.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said the party can contest and win the Kolkata and Howrah municipal elections independently.
The municipal elections are scheduled for November, though the year was not specified.
NCPI MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said his party would contest the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections as part of the NDA.
Bhattacharya said any alliance decision would be made by the BJP’s top leadership, while stating his preference for an independent contest.
NCPI MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said a joint BJP-NCPI campaign would make the alliance stronger and improve its prospects.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party, NCPI, Samik Bhattacharya, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.
- What
- The BJP is considering whether to contest the Kolkata and Howrah municipal elections alone or cooperate with NCPI.
- Where
- Kolkata and Howrah, West Bengal.
- When
- The elections are scheduled for November; the statements were made on Wednesday.
- Why
- BJP state leaders say the party can win independently, while NCPI argues that a joint contest would strengthen the alliance.
BJP State Leaders Favor Contesting Alone
NCPI Leaders Favor A Joint Contest
Election strategy
BJP State Leaders Favor Contesting Alone
Samik Bhattacharya said BJP workers and the state organisation are capable of contesting and winning control of both corporations independently.
NCPI Leaders Favor A Joint Contest
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said a joint BJP-NCPI contest would make the alliance stronger and produce a better outcome.
Working with NCPI
BJP State Leaders Favor Contesting Alone
Some BJP leaders are apprehensive about fighting alongside NCPI members who include former Trinamool Congress workers and councillors accused by the BJP of corruption.
NCPI Leaders Favor A Joint Contest
NCPI says it has joined the NDA and should be allowed to participate in the municipal contests as an ally.
Key facts
- Election venues
- Kolkata and Howrah municipal corporations
- Election timing
- Scheduled for November
- BJP position
- State president Samik Bhattacharya said the BJP can contest and win independently.
- Potential alliance
- NCPI has proposed contesting with the BJP as part of the NDA.
- Final decision
- Bhattacharya said the BJP’s top leadership will decide whether an alliance is formed.
- Internal concern
- Some BJP leaders reportedly oppose accommodating former Trinamool Congress workers and councillors through NCPI.
Quotes
Samik Bhattacharya
BJP state president in West Bengal
“BJP workers and the Bengal BJP as an organisation are capable of contesting the Kolkata and Howrah municipal elections on their own and winning control of the two corporations.”
telegraphindia.com
“Any such decision will ultimately be taken by the party’s top leadership. Politics is, after all, the art of the possible, as you often say. I have stated my party’s position.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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