By Sunanda Mitra

My personal observations, regarding press the meet of Honorable Union Home Minister and BJP leader, Mr.Amit Shah, at “Hotel Novotel”.

Today, representing IBG News, I attended the press conference held by the Honorable Union Home Minister and BJP leader, Amit Shah, at the Hotel Novotel. One thing became abundantly clear from his remarks: the Central Government is firmly committed to eradicating misrule and curbing illegal infiltration. Since this is an election campaign, the BJP has also released its pre-election manifesto. However, to effectively implement the agenda outlined in this manifesto, the BJP must undoubtedly win the election; otherwise, executing their announced programs would simply not be possible! In this context, a point raised by the Honorable Home Minister is both crucial and highly significant: “Trust.” Yes, winning the “trust of the people”—that is, indeed, the greatest asset for any political party in an election. But has the Bengal BJP truly succeeded in doing so? While the BJP’s central leadership is certainly sparing no effort, will the Bengal BJP be able to live up to those standards? Even if a vast section of the people of West Bengal (specifically the Hindu population) *wants* to support them, the critical question ultimately boils down to that very issue of trust. They paid the price for the mistakes of 2011, they witnessed the events of 2021, and consequently, they remain deeply skeptical this time around. As the old adage goes, “A cow once burned by fire fears even a crimson cloud”—they are haunted by the fear: “Will we get hurt again?” The Bengal BJP has, unfortunately, failed to dispel this lingering skepticism. The Centre may offer every possible form of assistance, but it is the people who cast the votes; and winning back the favor of the “Gods of the Masses” is no trivial task. Furthermore, the attitude displayed by a certain class of so-called BJP leaders is truly exasperating. Anyway, I shall refrain from dwelling on these issues right before the election, lest I scatter thorns along their path forward. However, the bottom line remains that same word: “Trust.” To successfully navigate the electoral gauntlet, securing the trust of the people is absolutely indispensable. Indeed, the *only* reliance is the “trust of the people.” Think about it. Despite having a reasonably good standing and network myself, I am not making this observation idly; I speak as someone who has personally suffered the consequences and feels genuinely frustrated. I have done my duty by issuing this warning. Heed it if you wish; if not… well. Before I sign off, let me reiterate this final thought: Trust is the ultimate—and perhaps the *only*—refuge. Do you understand?