Kolkata: The BJP announced that all its assembly candidates in West Bengal will visit temples in their constituencies to offer prayers ahead of counting day.
The party also said women supporters will stage sit-in protests outside strong rooms where voting machines are stored.
The messaging has drawn attention amid remarks from Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Milind Parande, who said that if a BJP government is formed in West Bengal, it would "work in the interest of Hindus".
VHP flags security, demographic concerns
Parande said a change in governance could influence policy direction, particularly on internal security and demographic issues. He raised concerns about illegal immigration along the India-Bangladesh border, alleging it has created challenges for both the state and the country.
He stated that individuals who have entered the country illegally should not influence political processes or access public resources. He also claimed that demographic changes have made the situation more complex.
The VHP reiterated its demand to end government control over Hindu temples, arguing that such institutions should be managed autonomously through independent trusts.
Parande said the organisation has drafted a proposed law and is consulting political leaders and lawmakers to build consensus. He also called for stricter enforcement of anti-conversion laws, claiming existing provisions are not being implemented effectively in some states.
BJP attacks TMC over Supreme Court development
The BJP criticised the ruling All India Trinamool Congress over its legal challenge related to election procedures. BJP leader Nalin Kohli said the party's repeated court pleas reflect a pattern and welcomed the stance of the Supreme Court of India.
The court did not issue additional directions on the matter and instead asked the Election Commission of India to implement its April 13 circular fully.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said the TMC had not challenged the Election Commission's circular but sought its proper implementation.
He stated that the party argued for deploying both central and state government officials during vote counting, as outlined in the existing guidelines.
Repolling and turnout add to charged atmosphere
Kohli praised the Election Commission and security forces for conducting polling with high voter turnout, which he said was close to 93 percent.
He supported the Commission's decision to order repolling in certain booths following reports of irregularities, including alleged interference with voting machines.
With counting day approaching, West Bengal's political landscape remains tense, shaped by competing narratives around religion, governance, electoral integrity and national security.
The convergence of temple outreach, "Hindus" rhetoric, legal battles and repolling decisions has added a sharper edge to the contest as parties await the final outcome.
(With PTI inputs)