Jalpaiguri: As Assembly elections approach, internal discord within the BJP has surfaced in key North Bengal constituencies, raising concerns over the party’s preparedness.
In Maynaguri, a crucial seat in the tea belt, dissident BJP workers on Wednesday locked the party office, demanding the reinstatement of outgoing MLA Kaushik Roy as the party candidate. Protesters alleged that the leadership had unfairly replaced him with Dalim Roy, a recent entrant from the Trinamool Congress. Some also made unverified claims of monetary exchange in the ticket distribution and warned of protests against supporters of the new candidate.
Initially, Kaushik Roy had been declared the BJP candidate for Maynaguri and had already begun campaigning. However, following sustained protests by party workers, the leadership revised its decision late Monday night, fielding Dalim Roy instead. The move has intensified factional tensions within the party.
Tensions escalated when Dalim Roy’s supporters attempted to break open the lock, triggering a confrontation between rival factions. This marks the second such protest following the change in candidature.
Kaushik Roy said he had already begun campaigning after initially being declared the candidate, adding that workers’ resentment was “natural.” Dalim Roy, however, downplayed the issue, stating that differences are common in a large party and are being addressed. In the Mal Assembly Constituency, resentment persists over the selection of Shukra Munda, who hails from Nagrakata, overlooking local tea garden leaders. The announcement had triggered protests in Malbazar, including vandalism at the party office.
Although tensions have eased somewhat after discussions, several key labour leaders remain inactive. Among them are Anil Oraon and Pilatus Oraon of the BJP-affiliated Bharatiya Tea Workers’ Union, who said they are awaiting direction from the leadership before joining the campaign.
District secretary Rakesh Nandi termed the developments an “internal matter,” while candidate Shukra Munda claimed that most grievances have been resolved and dialogue is ongoing. Observers believe that the lack of active participation from sections of the party’s labour leadership in tea garden areas could benefit the Trinamool Congress.
In contrast, the BJP appears to have resolved differences in Rajganj, where candidate Dinesh Sarkar held a meeting with disgruntled leaders, who later expressed unity and confidence in victory.