Hema Malini credits Modi, Shah for BJP's West Bengal Assembly sweep
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Veteran actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member of the Lok Sabha, Hema Malini, on 4 May took to social media to celebrate the BJP's decisive victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, attributing the win to the strategic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. In an Instagram post, Malini wrote, "The euphoria is still settling in! Thrilled with the BJP win in Bengal — all the planning and hard work of Modi ji and Amit Shah ji has finally paid off! Proud to have been a small part of the hard campaigning that saw the landslide victory of the BJP over the TMC."
What Hema Malini said
The veteran performer further remarked, "Victory of democracy in a big way endorsed by public awareness. My hearty congratulations to all the winners of this historic election." Her comments underscore the BJP's narrative of democratic endorsement in a state long ruled by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Rupali Ganguly's backing
Television actress Rupali Ganguly also voiced support for the BJP's performance, tweeting, "Bengal chose democracy over fear. A big thank you to our brave CRPF personnel who ensured peaceful voting despite every challenge. Jai CRPF." Ganguly had previously criticised the TMC government's record, specifically citing governance failures and the RG Kar medical college case, arguing that the state required a change in administration.
The electoral context
Voting for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly took place across two phases on 23 April and 29 April. The BJP's performance in the state represents a significant political shift in a region that has been a TMC stronghold. The victory aligns with the BJP's broader expansion strategy across eastern India and marks a turning point in West Bengal's electoral trajectory.
The broader narrative
Celebrity endorsements of electoral outcomes have become a recurring feature of Indian politics, with film and television personalities leveraging their platforms to amplify party messaging. Malini's and Ganguly's posts reflect a wider trend of entertainment figures publicly backing political victories, particularly when aligned with their stated ideological positions or governance priorities.