BJP Gears Up for Nationwide Campaign, Highlighting Attack on Bengal MP as Assault on Adivasi Community
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly planning a nationwide campaign to project the recent attack on its Member of Parliament from West Bengal, Khagen Murmu, as an assault on the Adivasi community. Murmu, a tribal leader and two-time MP from North Malda, sustained injuries when his convoy was attacked while visiting flood-affected villagers in Bamandanga, Nagrakata block of Jalpaiguri district.
According to eyewitnesses, the BJP leaders were en route to survey flood-ravaged areas and distribute relief when a group ambushed their convoy. The attackers, believed to be supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), allegedly hurled stones, vandalized vehicles, and physically assaulted BJP workers, resulting in injuries to both Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh.
The BJP has strongly condemned the attack, alleging it was orchestrated by TMC members. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya described the incident as "TMC's Jungle Raj in Bengal!" and asserted that Murmu, "a respected tribal leader," was targeted while trying to provide aid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also denounced the attack, calling it "outright appalling" and indicative of the "pathetic law and order situation" in West Bengal. He urged the state government to prioritize relief efforts over violence.
In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Murmu in the hospital. However, she criticized the Prime Minister for politicizing a natural disaster before a proper investigation. TMC leaders have denied any party involvement in the attack, suggesting it was a "local dispute exaggerated by the opposition".
Following the incident, BJP workers filed a complaint with the Nagrakata Police Station, leading to the arrest of two individuals, Ekramul Haque and Govind Sharma. Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects and have increased security in the area to prevent further violence.
The BJP views the attack on Murmu as an opportunity to consolidate its support among tribal communities, particularly in West Bengal, where it aims to regain ground lost in recent elections. The party plans to display photographs of the injured MP in tribal-dominated areas, branding the TMC as "anti-tribal" and questioning the silence of other opposition parties on the issue. The BJP's IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, questioned the silence of opposition parties regarding the attack on Murmu.
This strategy reflects a broader trend of political parties targeting specific demographics with tailored campaigns. In the United States, for instance, both Democrats and Republicans have actively courted Native American voters with targeted ads and outreach programs. Similarly, the BJP's focus on Murmu's tribal identity aims to resonate with Adivasi communities and frame the attack as a broader assault on their rights and interests.
The upcoming campaign is expected to intensify the political rivalry between the BJP and TMC in West Bengal, with both parties vying for the support of tribal communities. The BJP is demanding a CBI probe into the attack, while the TMC insists that the law should take its course.
