In a departure from the BJP’s established rhetoric, West Bengal BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has called for the abandonment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inclusive slogan, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with All, Development for All).
Addressing the state BJP’s first working committee meeting since the recent Lok Sabha elections, Adhikari emphasized a more exclusive approach, focusing on those who support the party, The Indian Express reported.
“We will save Hindus and we will save the Constitution,” declared the Nandigram MLA. “I have spoken about nationalist Muslims and you all said ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. But I will say it no more. Rather we will now say ‘jo hamare saath hum unke saath’. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas bandh karo (We are with those who are with us. Let’s put an end to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’).”
Adhikari further argued for the dissolution of the BJP’s minority wing, asserting there was “no need for a minority morcha.” His comments come in the wake of the BJP’s diminished performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the party's seat count dropped to 12 from 18 in 2019.
Adhikari has faced criticism within the party for his influence over candidate selection in around 30 seats.
BJP leaders have yet to publicly respond to Adhikari’s controversial statements. However, the remarks follow recent comments by BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, who highlighted the limitations of using central agencies to arrest opposition leaders as a strategy to win elections
. “Workers may think that arresting a leader will ensure a win from the constituency. But that is not possible,” Majumdar stated at a workers’ meeting in Midnapore on July 13.