Extortion culture haunts Bengal BJP as two leaders sound alarm

A day after West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya admitted that the party had not yet been able to eradicate extortion despite assuming power in the state, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh on Sunday (August 2) warned party leaders and workers against associating with extortionists and corrupt elements, asserting that the state government's "zero tolerance" policy on corruption would be implemented without exception.

Addressing reporters, Ghosh said the BJP had come to power promising clean governance and cautioned party functionaries against repeating the practices that had drawn public anger against the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

"The culture of extortion cannot disappear overnight. Many of those who were involved in corruption and extortion under the previous regime are now trying to establish links with our leaders and workers," Ghosh said.

Also read: BJP yet to end extortion despite coming to power in Bengal, admits state chief

He alleged that certain BJP workers were finding it difficult to resist such influences and urged the party cadre to remain vigilant.

‘Misusing political influence’

Without naming anyone, Ghosh also appeared to caution some first-time BJP legislators against misusing their newfound political influence. "Some new MLAs have got a taste of power. Extortionists are trying to build close ties with them. People voted for change, and we should not forget the mandate they have given us," he said.

Stressing that the party was monitoring the conduct of its leaders, Ghosh said no one would be spared if found violating the party's principles. "The party is keeping a close watch. Give us six months and everything will be assessed. Anyone found encouraging corruption or maintaining links with such elements will face action," he said, urging workers to stay away from individuals associated with extortion and illegal activities.

His remarks come amid the BJP government's efforts to distance itself from allegations of the so-called "syndicate culture" that had become a major political issue under the previous TMC administration.

Samik Bhattacharya echoes warning

Bhattacharya, speaking at the 'Udyami Samagam' event at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in Rajarhat a day earlier, acknowledged that "one or two deviations" had surfaced within the party and said organisational action would be taken against those involved in irregularities.

Also read: Bengal heist: How BJP captured the state by hollowing out democracy 8 mins read

He said people had become accustomed to a system of easy money through syndicates over the years and warned BJP workers against trying to infiltrate sectors such as education, healthcare and business for political gains.

Bhattacharya also said the party had suspended more than 100 leaders across the state over allegations ranging from extorting builders to accepting money for facilitating the induction of former TMC members into the BJP.

Warning over 'egg therapy' politics

The state BJP chief also cautioned workers against the growing trend of hurling eggs at political opponents, popularly referred to as "egg therapy" in West Bengal's political discourse.

Warning that such tactics could easily backfire, Bhattacharya said those indulging in public humiliation should remember that "the trajectory of those eggs can change in no time."

Also read: Why Bengal’s trend of ‘egg justice’ may not be as harmless as it looks

The phenomenon has gained prominence in the state following the 2026 Assembly elections, with politicians from different parties facing egg-pelting during protests. While initially directed at former TMC leaders accused of corruption, the practice has increasingly spread across party lines, prompting concerns that public humiliation is replacing democratic forms of protest.

Bhattacharya also stressed that attracting investment to Bengal would require insulating businesses from partisan politics. He said the BJP government was working towards creating a fear-free investment climate and promised strict action against anyone attempting to revive extortion networks or interfere with businesses in the state.