Capital plans

How the BJP is trying to gain a foothold in Kolkata

- RABI BANERJEE

The Kalighat Temple in Kolkata has seen few devotees this season; the sweltering heat and the raging pandemic have kept them and their prayers indoors. So, when a white Swift Dzire pulled up about 200m away from the temple, and a sophisticated white-haired man stepped out, the few onlookers there were surprised. Subrata Saha, a retired Army lieutenant general and a PhD holder in defence studies, waited on the pavement, mask on. Soon, a truck sporting a BJP banner and filled with party workers stopped in front of him. It was only then that the people realised that the man was the BJP candidate in their constituency—Rasbehari.

A roadside vendor went up to him with tea in a paper cup. Saha took off his mask, smiled, and took a few sips. The campaign had begun. Rasbehari, which will go to the polls on April 26, is an urban constituency with both upper-class intellectuals and the slum-dwelling poor.

After finishing his tea, Saha met one of his first prospective voters—a nonagenarian seated on a bench in the tea shop. Being told that Saha was a former Army man, the man said: “I do not care which party you belong to, but as a freedom fighter I must salute you.”

But when asked for his vote, the man became guarded. “Sorry general,” he said. “I cannot tell you whether I will vote for you or not. But you are an able man to join politics. I am proud to meet you.” Saha smiled and returned the compliment.