📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
Factionalism within the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been brought to the forefront following Amit Malviya’s legal notice to a senior party leader’s brother. The notice, seeking an apology and damages of ₹10 crore, was issued in response to allegations of sexual exploitation made on social media by Santanu Sinha, an activist of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Malviya’s lawyer stated that the allegations were false and damaging to his client’s reputation. The unfolding events have garnered attention not just in West Bengal but across the country, with Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate demanding an independent inquiry into the matter.
The controversy has escalated with strong reactions from political parties, highlighting the internal rifts within the BJP. While the West Bengal BJP leadership has staunchly supported Malviya, Trinamool Congress (TMC) representatives have seized the opportunity to emphasize the factionalism in the state’s BJP unit. This incident is not isolated, as past allegations against senior BJP figures have also exposed internal conflicts within the party. With key figures like former West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh and Bishnupur Lok Sabha MP Soumitra Khan expressing discontent, the factional divisions are becoming more apparent.
The recent legal notice and subsequent responses have underscored the challenges faced by the BJP in West Bengal, especially in light of the party’s performance in the Lok Sabha elections. As the situation unfolds, the differences between rival factions are likely to deepen, especially with the potential vacancy in the State BJP leadership. The unfolding events serve as a reflection of the complex dynamics and internal struggles within the BJP’s West Bengal unit, shedding light on the broader implications of factionalism within the party.
