Legendary Actor and Star Campaigner for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, Mithun Chakraborty is currently campaigning across the state, engaging with people at the grassroots and leading outreach efforts as a Star Campaigner. In an exclusive interaction with Joydeep Dasgupta, he spoke on a range of issues including the electoral mood, national security concerns, governance and political narratives in the state. Chakraborty alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has acted as a barrier to development and asserted that political change in West Bengal is both necessary and inevitable, expressing his confidence that the BJP would come to power in the state, this time. Excerpts from the Interview
Q: How do you see the mood on the ground as elections in West Bengal are drawing near?
Mithun Chakraborty: I believe people have already made up their minds this time. As an actor, I understand body language and I can clearly sense that this time people want change. Whether in rural or urban areas, the mood has shifted and it is clear that the mandate is for the BJP. Bharatiya Janata Party is bound to win West Bengal assembly election.
Q: The BJP leadership has raised the issue of national security against the ruling government. What is your take on this?
Mithun Chakraborty: I believe the TMC government poses a threat to national security. There are concerns about border fencing and infiltration and I allege that these issues are not being addressed due to electoral considerations. Hundreds of kilometers of border areas are open. The central leadership, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, has requested land from the state government for border fencing, but the government here has always turned a deaf ear to this issue, encouraging people from the other side of the border to settle in Bengal and cast votes for them.
This is a serious issue of national security. There is an attempt, in my view, to turn Bengal into “Paschim Bangladesh,” but people like us will stand to oppose it with full strength and will never allow such dreams of a few to be fulfilled.
Q: Why do you think this time it is a do-or-die situation for the people of West Bengal, particularly the Hindus? Why do you think so?
Mithun Chakraborty: If the BJP is defeated, I believe the people of Bengal, particularly the Hindu community, may face serious consequences. Public statements made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal clearly suggest that if she is not in power, one community could target another, which is indeed concerning. At the same time, I question statements made by the Chief Minister which, in my view, incite people ahead of the election. If action can be taken over my film dialogues, there should be accountability for such remarks as well and I request the highest authority to take action against her statements.
Q: Your opponents accuse you of being anti-Muslim. How do you respond?
Mithun Chakraborty: Divisive politics is being played by the state government. They say we are anti-Muslim, but what they are doing is dividing people on the basis of religion. A particular community is getting funds, but there are many schools in tribal areas that lack funds. Many schools in Adivasi areas lack teachers, while funds are being directed elsewhere, including madrasa education and not to these schools. Is this not divisive politics?
BJP is not against Indian Muslims. Yes, we are certainly against those who stay in India and want to destabilize and create unrest in the country, as they are a serious threat to the nation, and we are against them. We cannot leave our country in the hands of hooligans who are sure to destroy the country’s social fabric.
Q: What is your take on electoral roll revisions (SIR)? Many voters this time have been removed from the list.
Mithun Chakraborty: It is a timely move by the Election Commission. For years, many people who have died are casting votes in favour of the ruling party here in West Bengal. Is this not unjust? Because of SIR, many of our supporters’ names have been deleted. There is a process for everything; they can go and apply again with proper documents if they think the process is unjust.
Q: What is your take on the incident that happened in Malda district recently?
Mithun Chakraborty: I believe strict action should be taken. The entire police station should be held accountable for how the situation was handled. I also believe the administration has become politicized, which is reflected in the frequent transfers of officials.
Q: If the BJP comes to power, Bengalis won’t be allowed to eat non-vegetarian food, including fish, says the TMC. What is your response to such statements?
Mithun Chakraborty: I stay in Maharashtra, which is a BJP-ruled state. Recently, I have been to Madhya Pradesh, which is also a BJP-ruled state. We are eating fish and other non-vegetarian food. I also eat fish regularly; no one has stopped this. People in Bengal eat fish and will continue to do so after the BJP comes to power. It is just a misleading narrative being created around food habits for political messaging.
Q: Why are you not contesting this election?
Mithun Chakraborty: I want to work for the party. If I had contested, I would have been restricted to only one constituency. Instead, I want to travel across the state and connect with more people and convince them that the government here is not right for them. Mamata Banerjee says she is the face of all 294 assembly seats. I want to tell the people of Bengal that they can cast their votes keeping my face in mind. If the party leadership decides on a specific role for me after the election, I am ready to take on any significant responsibility. I am ready to take responsibility as Chief Minister, but right now change is necessary.
Q: How do you see the outcome of the election in West Bengal this time?
Mithun Chakraborty: I am confident that political change will take place in West Bengal and a new government will be formed. It is for the people of Bengal to choose the right leadership this time, because we must save West Bengal at any cost.
(The content of this article reflects the views of writer and contributor, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
Leave Your Comment