Growing Discontent at the Grassroots: Ten Issues Raising Concerns Among BJP Workers & Supporters in West Bengal

By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS

Kolkata, July 29: When a state had a race against time for development, GDP, and lost the EL DORADO of Cultural Capital of India called Bengal, will it lose its patience sooner than any other state with a new government? Is the honeymoon period over sooner than the expected timeline for the grassroots workers? Reports of dissatisfaction among grassroots workers & supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are increasingly emerging from different parts of West Bengal. Alongside this, sections of the public are also expressing concerns over the pace and implementation of several government initiatives following the party’s rise to power in the state.

Political observers and local party workers have highlighted a number of issues that are believed to be contributing to this growing unease. While these views do not represent the official position of the BJP, they reflect concerns being voiced at the grassroots level.

1. Expectations of Justice After Years of Political Violence

Many long-time BJP workers who claim to have faced political violence, displacement, and intimidation during previous years reportedly expected stronger action against those responsible after the change in government. However, the party leadership’s repeated appeals for restraint and non-retaliation have reportedly left some grassroots supporters feeling disappointed, believing that their sacrifices have not received adequate recognition.

2. Delay in Annapurna Bhandar Benefits

The implementation of the state’s much-publicised Annapurna Bhandar welfare programme has become another point of concern. Workers who campaigned extensively on the promise of the scheme say they are finding it difficult to answer questions from residents in areas where financial assistance has yet to reach beneficiaries.

There are also allegations from some local workers that, in certain places, individuals previously associated with rival political parties have received benefits while some BJP supporters are still awaiting approval. These claims have not been independently verified.

3. Complex Verification Process

The documentation and citizenship verification procedures linked to welfare applications have reportedly created confusion among applicants. Several residents and party workers argue that the process has become more complicated than expected, slowing the distribution of benefits.

4. Complaints About Local Leadership

In some constituencies, criticism has emerged regarding the conduct of elected representatives. Grassroots workers allege that access to legislators has become difficult and that some local leaders are perceived as ignoring party workers who were instrumental during election campaigns.

There are also accusations from certain areas regarding the re-emergence of local-level irregularities and alleged financial demands, although these claims remain politically contested.

5. Alleged Inclusion of Former Rival Party Members

Several grassroots BJP workers have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the increasing visibility of former Trinamool Congress workers at public events alongside BJP legislators. According to local party members, individuals who were once viewed as political opponents are now participating in official programmes, while long-serving BJP activists feel sidelined.

6. Lack of Post-Election Outreach

Workers from several Assembly constituencies claim that, despite contributing significantly during the election campaign, their elected representatives have not revisited many local areas after securing victory. This perceived disconnect has reportedly affected morale among dedicated party volunteers.

7. Demand for Organisational Restructuring

Many party members believe that, after assuming office, the BJP should have undertaken a comprehensive reorganisation of its booth and mandal committees. Instead, dissatisfaction is reportedly growing against some local office-bearers, with workers alleging that leadership positions have become concentrated in a limited group of individuals.

8. Slow Formation of Booth Committees

More than three months after the formation of the government, party workers in several districts claim that booth-level committees are still incomplete. Political analysts suggest that organisational weaknesses at the grassroots could become a challenge unless addressed through broader internal reforms.

9. Concerns Over Coordination with Sangh Organisations

Some BJP workers and observers believe that organisations associated with the wider Sangh Parivar—including volunteers from social, educational and cultural organisations—played a significant role during the 2026 Assembly election campaign. However, there are allegations that communication between local BJP leadership and these organisations has weakened after the election, leading to dissatisfaction among some volunteers.

10. Public Reaction to Eviction Drives

The government’s eviction drives at railway stations and on public footpaths have also drawn mixed reactions. While authorities have argued that the operations are necessary to remove illegal encroachments and improve public infrastructure, some residents believe that a longer consultation process and better rehabilitation measures could have reduced hardship for small vendors and daily wage earners.

Political Implications

Whether these concerns represent isolated incidents or reflect a broader organisational challenge remains to be seen. Political analysts believe that addressing grassroots grievances, strengthening party organisation, and ensuring transparent implementation of welfare schemes will be crucial for maintaining public confidence.

At the same time, the BJP leadership has consistently maintained that governance reforms and organisational strengthening remain ongoing processes, and that feedback from workers and citizens will continue to shape future decisions.

Ordinary people think that the Bengal BJP Government is trying, but they are let down by the Party central leadership in terms of corruption cases and inducting tainted leaders of other political parties into the BJP. Time will tell. A party with a difference or a party that removed the difference from the other parties.

It is too early to say Goodbye, but definitely these issues need to be addressed well before it is out of proportion for people of Bengal to take a new route. Mere call center toll-free numbers can not remove the corruption if the same proven corrupt from the other side join your team.

Disclaimer: This report is based on concerns and viewpoints circulating among sections of grassroots political workers and political observers. Several of the allegations mentioned are contested and have not been independently verified by IBG NEWS. The report is intended to present the political discourse surrounding these issues and should not be interpreted as a statement of fact. This article was prepared based on the post by journalist Bithin Srkar.