BJP ‘showcauses’ over 50 workers for ‘indiscipline’

MP, May 23, 2026, Kolkata : The West Bengal BJP has begun cracking down on alleged indiscipline within the organisation, reportedly issuing show-cause notices to more than 50 leaders and workers across the state following complaints of intimidation, extortion and attacks on political opponents after the party’s Assembly election victory.

State BJP disciplinary committee chief Pratap Banerjee told the media that complaints were being received from “almost every district” and each allegation was being examined before action was taken.

Party sources said the complaints include accusations of threatening local residents, attacking homes and shops linked to rival political parties, and attempts at extortion.

The notices direct the accused to respond within seven days and stay away from all organisational activities until further instructions from the state leadership.

Though the letters do not explicitly use terms such as “suspension” or “expulsion”, party insiders admit that the action effectively amounts to temporary suspension pending inquiry.

The action follows repeated warnings from state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, who had urged party workers not to indulge in post-poll violence or replicate what he described as the “political culture” of the Trinamool Congress.

Bhattacharya had also warned that the party would act firmly against anyone attempting extortion or forming local syndicates after coming to power.

BJP leaders said the softer wording in the notices was deliberate and reflected an effort to combine discipline with restraint.

According to party insiders, the leadership does not want to appear “vindictive” towards workers who remained with the BJP during politically difficult years in the state.

The approach marks a departure from 2021, when the party had openly used terms such as “temporary suspension” while taking action against several dissenting leaders after its Assembly poll setback.