Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janata Party has finalised a robust campaign strategy for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, prioritising the fortification of its booth-level organisation while seeking to eliminate fraudulent voting and the long-standing climate of electoral intimidation.

Party leadership believes that historical patterns of political violence have deterred significant portions of the electorate. To address these concerns, the BJP is advocating for heightened security measures to ensure that citizens and party workers can participate in the democratic process without fear of retribution.

Security and Surveillance Measures

As part of a proactive security ramp-up, 480 companies of the central armed police forces have been stationed across the state since March 1. Sources indicate that further deployments remain an option if the security situation necessitates additional personnel. This echoes the strategy utilised during previous Lok Sabha contests, where central forces remained in the state for several months post-election to deter retaliatory violence.

In a bid to modernise electoral integrity, the BJP has petitioned the Election Commission of India to implement advanced verification techniques. The party suggested that facial scanning or mandatory photography of every voter be introduced at polling stations to prevent "bogus" or duplicate voting.

High-Level Oversight

The full Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is expected to arrive in West Bengal on March 8. The visit will include a comprehensive review of administrative and security preparedness before the official election schedule is announced.

The "Parivartan Yatra" Launch

On the campaign front, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the state on Thursday to inaugurate the "Parivartan Yatra" (March for Change) in the Hingalganj constituency. The event, which included a public rally and a roadshow, served as a platform for Dhami to emphasise "Sanatan" values and national pride.

"A Sanatani Hindu never fears; he stands firm for truth and the nation," Dhami told the assembled crowd, which responded with enthusiasm.

Dhami also directed sharp criticism at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration, accusing the Trinamool Congress of engaging in "appeasement politics" and economic mismanagement. He alleged that the state government’s policies have fostered corruption and left the state burdened by massive debt, while neglecting the safety of women and the rights of government employees.

With inputs from ANI