Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday delivered a fiery speech aimed directly at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the saffron party's presence in West Bengal will soon be dismantled. Speaking at a party event, Banerjee invoked the slogan that defined the 2021 Assembly election—“Khela Hobe”—and took it a step further.

“In 2021, I had said ‘Khela Hobe’, and now I say, ‘Padma Phool upre phela hobe’, meaning the lotus will be uprooted,” declared the TMC leader, referring to the BJP's election symbol—the lotus. His comment drew loud cheers from party workers and supporters gathered at the rally.

Taking a dig at the BJP’s recent use of religious slogans, Banerjee said, “Earlier, the BJP used to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'. Now they've moved to saying 'Jai Maa Durga' and 'Jai Maa Kali'. Remember my words—I will make them chant 'Jai Bangla' next.”

The remarks are seen as part of the TMC’s broader strategy to counter the BJP's Hindutva narrative with a strong regional and cultural identity, rooted in Bengal’s history, language, and traditions. By invoking 'Jai Bangla', Banerjee not only asserted Bengali pride but also sent a clear message that nationalistic slogans alone won't work in West Bengal.

Abhishek Banerjee, widely regarded as the political heir to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also accused the BJP of cultural appropriation and opportunism. “They think by changing slogans, they can win Bengal. But Bengal is not for sale. Its culture, its language, and its pride are not up for grabs,” he said.