Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the most senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in West Bengal, on Saturday alleged that the state was being "destroyed" under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government led by Mamata Banerjee, and that BJP's victory in the recent West Bengal Assembly polls had "saved" the state from that fate.

Sarkar made these remarks in an interview, speaking at length about the BJP's landslide win, the swearing-in of new Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and his own long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Modi and Shah Seek Sarkar's Blessings

In a notable moment at the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as Bengal Chief Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly touched Sarkar's feet and sought his blessings. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reportedly did the same, according to Sarkar. "Since both of us belong to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), we have similar ideologies. We aim to work towards protecting the dignity of the country," Sarkar said.

Sarkar on Bengal's Condition Under TMC

Sarkar was candid about his fears had the TMC returned to power. "The situation that Bengal is in right now, if Mamata Banerjee had won this time too... I prayed to God to save Bengal," he said. He also referred to his family's roots in East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh), saying conditions in West Bengal had deteriorated to the point that it had "become difficult to live here too."

Sarkar further alleged: "I had created a lot of pressure on the Centre to do something for West Bengal. PM Modi and Amit Shah worked hard for it, as a result Bengal got saved — otherwise it was getting destroyed." He described BJP's Bengal victory as "India's win."

On BJP's Ideology and Clarifications

Sarkar was careful to draw a distinction on the party's ideological identity, stating: "BJP is 'Bharatvadi', not 'Hindutvavadi'." He added that the RSS ideology had finally achieved "success" with the Bengal poll result, and advised the new Chief Minister: "I told him don't listen to me, work towards protecting the country's Constitution."

Remarks on Communal Issues and Firhad Hakim

Sarkar also reacted to a controversial statement attributed to TMC leader Firhad Hakim, alleging: "Firhad Hakim had said that 'Muslims will become a majority in a few days' and that 'we advise Hindus to convert into Muslims'. Mamata Banerjee did not oppose such statements." He also referenced alleged atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh under former interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

In remarks that are likely to draw scrutiny, Sarkar further alleged: "Muslims are behind the atrocities which are being committed against women across the nation. Young girls are being forcefully converted." He also said: "For 500 years, our country was ruled by the Muslims. For around 200 years, the Britishers ruled us. We have suffered many atrocities. Now we are not able to tolerate any more."

These statements reflect the views of Makhanlal Sarkar alone and have not been independently verified. With the new BJP government in West Bengal now in place, how the ruling party manages communal sensitivities and governance expectations will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.