The BJP in West Bengal is placing Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the centre of its campaign strategy ahead of the Assembly elections, with the state leadership seeking over two dozen public meetings by the Prime Minister.
Party sources said Modi is likely to address around ten rallies before the election schedule is announced, and at least ten more after the declaration. He has already addressed six rallies in the state, with four more pre-schedule meetings expected soon.
The BJP has finalised plans to hold major rallies at ten locations on the day of the poll announcement. Senior leaders, including union ministers, are expected to lead a coordinated campaign across the state.
New BJP national president Nitin Nabin is also expected to visit Bengal later this month. Union home minister Amit Shah is likely to visit the state after the Union Budget on 1 February.
The party believes repeated visits by top central leaders will boost its organisational strength at the grassroots level. However, the strategy has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who allege the BJP lacks confidence in its state leadership and relies excessively on central figures.
Critics argue the BJP’s earlier campaigns in Bengal, heavily driven by Modi and other central leaders, did not yield the desired electoral results. They claim the renewed strategy may not succeed either.