ThePrint PoliticallyCorrect: It’s both personal & political for Amit Shah in West Bengal polls. He needs this win more than ever
Mar 18, 2026
Quick breakdown of high-stakes assembly battles across southern states and why even small BJP gains matter. Discussion of fragile regional leaderships in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and Kerala’s communal arithmetic. Examination of Assam’s confident campaign and why West Bengal is a make-or-break political test for Amit Shah.
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BJP Wins Regardless Of Local Verdicts
- The BJP treats Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as low-risk expansion opportunities where any outcome helps its long-term goal.
- DK Singh explains gains (alliances, vote-splitting, footprint growth) matter even if the NDA loses power locally.
Assam Seen As A Near Certainty For BJP
- Assam is treated by BJP insiders as essentially a done deal and a secure third consecutive victory.
- DK Singh notes CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's polarizing, development-plus-welfare image and targeted anti-Muslim campaign concentrated in 23 seats underpins this confidence.
West Bengal As BJP's Stubborn Frontier
- West Bengal is the central obstacle to BJP's national expansion because Trinamool resists BJP dominance and has national ambitions.
- DK Singh contrasts BJP's success taming many regional parties with Mamata Banerjee remaining a unique, resilient rival.