On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah gave a series of big political commitments before elections in West Bengal, including the Gorkha issue, which has remained unresolved for a long time, will be resolved within six months in case BJP wins the elections in the state.
Speaking at several rallies in different parts of the country such as Kulti, Sukna and Salboni Shah presented the parties governance agenda, employment, border security and revival of industries, and also made caustic comments on the leadership of the existing state.
Target Gorkha Community and Electoral Issues
Addressing a rally in Sukna, a town adjacent to Siliguri, Shah assured that the BJP would focus on the issues of the Gorkha community, which has long been seeking political and administrative attention.
He claimed that a lot of Gorkha names were taken off voter lists and promised to take corrective action should the party be elected to power. In his opinion, the restoration of voting rights and the regional grievances would be prioritized.
Concerns of Border Security and Infiltration
One of the most outstanding things Shah delivered in his speech was his firm attitude towards border control. He argued that the BJP would close the India-Bangladesh border in 45 days of coming to power in a bid to reduce the unlawful infiltrations.
The Home Minister positioned the impending election as a breakthrough to overcome what he termed as historical concerns with regard to cross-border movement and internal security.
Industrial Push and Job Promises
In Salboni, Shah revived the negotiation on the stalled Jindal Group steel project, which had been delayed in the past because of security and logistical issues. At least he promised that the project will be re-launched soon should the BJP become the new leaders.
To the people of Kulti, he was to bring back the industrial significance to the region especially in production of iron ore. He also gave an ambitious employment agenda, saying that a BJP government will seek to generate one lakh jobs annually.
Election Message and Political Attack
Shah also attacked Mamata Banerjee and her party, which they claimed was not able to provide fair governance and security. He cautioned against interference with the election process saying that the central forces were deployed in adequate numbers to ensure order.
The speeches were indicative of a wider approach by the BJP to amalgamate regional concerns such as the Gorkha demand with national concerns such as border security and economic growth.
The Gorkha problem is decades old, with claims that include more autonomy to the establishment of an independent state. The six-month time frame by Shah is an indication of a high level of political determination, but such promises have proven to be difficult to enforce.
With the coming elections in West Bengal, the identity, security and development theme is likely to drive the next few weeks campaign.
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