West Bengal BJP holds rallies against CJP, calling them 'anti-national'

West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders organized two rallies in Kolkata, waving national flags and branding them "Tiranga Yatras." These events were framed as a demonstration by "nationalists" against what they termed the "Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)" and other "anti-nationalist forces."

One rally proceeded from Sealdah in north Kolkata to Esplanade, mirroring the route of a previous Left-backed rally. That earlier protest aimed to express solidarity with CJP-led demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. A second BJP rally took place in south Kolkata, from Golpark to Jadavpur.

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This is a people’s movement against anti-nationals who are trying to defame the nation and the central government through false propaganda. Nationalist citizens will not allow that.

"This is a people's movement against anti-nationals who are trying to defame the nation and the central government through false propaganda. Nationalist citizens will not allow that," stated industry minister Tapas Roy, who participated in the north Kolkata rally alongside municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul. Paul added, "Our country's economy is developing. Many forces cannot stand that. That is why disruptive activities are being planned, but people will resist such efforts."

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Our country’s economy is developing. Many forces cannot stand that. That is why disruptive activities are being planned, but people will resist such efforts.

Participants notably avoided carrying party flags. Instead, many held placards labeling the CJP and Left parties as "enemies of the state" and the "tukde tukde gang." This rhetoric was echoed by West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, who, while touring north Bengal, also referred to the "tukde tukde gang," asserting that "nationalist governments at the Centre and the state would not let the ‘tukde tukde gang’ weaken the nation."

The counter-rallies were announced after tensions escalated on Friday evening during an agitation led by CJP supporters and Left student unions protesting the NEET paper leak. Police reported that some protesters allegedly attempted to assault security personnel, and journalists covering the event also faced attacks. Adhikari visited those injured in the hospital and subsequently announced the BJP's counter-demonstrations.

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nationalist governments at the Centre and the state would not let the ‘tukde tukde gang’ weaken the nation.