BJP Eyes Left Vote Base Ahead of 2026 Bengal Assembly Polls

In West Bengal, the BJP is leaving no stones unturned to come to power. It seems the party has intensified efforts to consolidate support among traditional Left voters, a segment widely seen as having contributed significantly to its electoral rise in the state. Party insiders indicate that the BJP is seeking to retain and expand the gains it made from the Left’s declining vote share, particularly that of the CPI(M)), which saw its support shrink to around 5–6% in the 2021 Assembly elections. According to sources, the BJP has rolled out a booth-level outreach programme aimed at identifying and engaging Left-leaning voters. Local party workers have begun visiting households, making phone calls, and compiling detailed lists of voters perceived to be either inactive Left supporters or ideologically inclined towards Left politics. In several districts such as Howrah, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman efforts are underway to persuade disgruntled Left cadres and sympathisers to switch sides, with assurances of organisational responsibilities within the BJP. Former state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on multiple occasions appealed to Left supporters to join hands with the party, arguing that ideological commitment can be retained while aligning politically against the ruling establishment. Political observers note that the BJP’s strong performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal was partly fuelled by an erosion of the Left vote base. The party has highlighted examples of former Left leaders who have transitioned successfully into the BJP. Among them are Khagen Murmu and Shankar Ghosh who are now prominent faces within the BJP. Former Left minister Bankim Ghosh is also part of the BJP’s legislative ranks.