In a recent development, Bengal seems to be gearing up for a shift in its political landscape as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) makes significant strides with its Bhadralok Hindutva ideology. According to a piece from The Print on March 16, 2024, titled “Bengal is ready for BJP’s Bhadralok Hindutva. Bhadralok Marxism is on its way out,” the state is witnessing a transformation in its political dynamics.
The article highlights the emergence of a new breed of politicians in West Bengal who are challenging the traditional Bhadralok Marxist ideology. The recent resignation of Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, followed by his joining of the BJP, has sparked discussions about the fusion of religiosity and nationalism with Bengali exceptionalism in the state’s political circles.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta commented on Justice Gangopadhyay’s switch to the BJP, stating that it could be a breakthrough moment for the party in winning over the Bengali Bhadralok. He emphasized that Gangopadhyay, with his mild leftist inclinations, represents a typical Bengali and his decision to join the BJP challenges the notion of the ‘progressive’ Bengali mindset being at odds with the party.
As Bengal navigates through this political transition, it remains to be seen how the Bhadralok Hindutva ideology will fare against the longstanding Bhadralok Marxism or if the state-sponsored terror by Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress will prevail once again. The evolving political landscape in Bengal is set to shape the future of the state’s politics in the days to come.
Image Source: hindupost.in
