Bengal BJP Leadership Faces Accountability Demands in Wake of Election Defeats

On the first day of the Bengal BJP unit's two-day brainstorming session, leaders called for a change in leadership and more accountability following the party's dismal performance in the state's Lok Sabha elections. The extended state executive committee session came after the BJP lost three assembly seats to the TMC in recent by-polls, reducing its parliamentary tally from 18 seats in 2019 to 12.

Senior BJP leader and MP Saumitra Khan emphasized the need for leadership change, while another anonymous senior leader insisted on an urgent overhaul to make a mark in the 2026 assembly polls. Former BJP MP Arjun Singh acknowledged the party's shortcomings and stressed the need to address organizational issues swiftly.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari both highlighted the electoral challenges and the necessity for a strategic review. Meanwhile, a faction of party workers staged a sit-in, demanding accountability from state leaders for the poor poll performance.

(With inputs from agencies.)