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The BJP’s candidate from Basirhat, Rekha Patra, recently engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi This exchange not only shed light on the upcoming elections but also underscored the challenges faced by women like Patra in the region. Patra, a vocal protester against alleged sexual harassment and land-grabbing by certain leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Sandeshkhali, received commendation from Modi, who hailed her as a “shakti swaroopa,” symbolizing power and resilience.
In their nearly nine-minute dialogue, Patra conveyed her aspirations for the women of Sandeshkhali to exercise their voting rights freely. She recounted the ordeal faced by herself and others, emphasizing the need for a safe and secure environment for electoral participation. Her plea resonated with Modi, who assured her of the government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair polls. Modi’s reassurance, coupled with Patra’s determination, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and participation in the democratic process.
Patra’s journey, marked by resilience and a commitment to justice, captivated Modi, who likened her to a divine presence, evoking comparisons to Lord Ram. This recognition of her struggle and sacrifice not only bolstered Patra’s spirits but also underscored the significance of grassroots leaders like her in shaping the political landscape.
The exchange further delved into Patra’s vision for Basirhat, where she aimed to advocate for the rights of all constituents, regardless of their political affiliations. Modi lauded her inclusive approach, recognizing the importance of reaching across party lines to address the needs of the community. This spirit of cooperation and empathy showcased the essence of democracy, where individuals transcend partisan divides for the collective welfare.
Patra’s personal challenges, including her husband’s employment in Chennai due to a lack of opportunities locally, highlighted the broader socioeconomic issues facing the region. Her commitment to creating employment opportunities within the state resonated with Modi’s vision of empowering every citizen and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.
In essence, the conversation between Modi and Patra epitomized the democratic ethos, where leaders engage with grassroots activists to understand their concerns and aspirations. Patra’s journey from a protester to a political candidate exemplified the transformative power of grassroots movements in shaping the political discourse and driving positive change. As Basirhat prepares for the upcoming elections, Patra emerges as a beacon of hope, representing the aspirations of her community and the promise of a brighter future for all.
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BJP declared candidates in 38 out of 42 constituencies from West Bengal
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has caused a stir with its recent unveiling of Lok Sabha candidates for West Bengal. The selection includes some unexpected choices, notably the nomination of a protester from Sandeshkhali for the Basirhat constituency. Additionally, the party has opted to shuffle its incumbent MPs, relocating former state chief Dilip Ghosh and ex-Union minister Debasree Chowdhury to different seats.
In a strategic move, former Union minister Debasree Chowdhury has been reassigned from her Raiganj Lok Sabha seat to the South Kolkata constituency, which is recognized as the stronghold of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This shift signals the BJP’s intent to challenge Banerjee’s dominance in her own territory.
Another notable nomination is that of former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Ganguly, who recently joined the BJP. Ganguly has been selected to contest from the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat, a stronghold previously associated with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and his family. This decision underscores the BJP’s concerted effort to consolidate its presence in key regions of West Bengal, leveraging the influence of experienced figures like Ganguly.
Furthermore, the decision to re-nominate Arjun Singh from Barrackpore holds significance. Singh, who recently returned to the BJP after defecting to the Trinamool Congress two years ago, retains his candidacy for the same seat. This move not only reaffirms Singh’s loyalty to the BJP but also serves as a strategic maneuver to maintain the party’s foothold in Barrackpore.
The BJP’s latest list of 19 candidates brings the total number of nominees announced for West Bengal to 38. Among them is Tapas Roy, who joined the BJP earlier this month and is set to contest from the Kolkata Uttar Lok Sabha constituency. Roy’s inclusion in the roster further reflects the BJP’s efforts to expand its cadre and strengthen its electoral prospects in the region.
Overall, the BJP’s candidate selection in West Bengal underscores its strategic approach to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. By fielding candidates with diverse backgrounds and affiliations, the party aims to challenge the existing political landscape and make significant inroads in a state traditionally dominated by opposing parties. This calculated move sets the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle, with both the BJP and its rivals vying for supremacy in West Bengal.
