Overview
- BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya acknowledged on Saturday that extortion has not been fully eradicated in West Bengal and warned party workers against illegal practices.
- The party has reported internal complaints and has reportedly suspended more than 100 members as it investigates allegations of inducements, local extortion and paid inductions from the former ruling party.
- Bhattacharya and other leaders publicly cautioned against abusive tactics such as the recent practice of hurling eggs at opposition figures, saying such acts could backfire on BJP workers.
- The government plans stakeholder consultations with investors, start-ups and academia before finalizing a new industrial policy and has moved to repeal the Urban Land Ceiling Act to free up developable land.
- Analysts and opposition figures say words must be followed by enforceable action, noting that Bengal’s long history of political infiltration of business drove away investment and that visible prosecutions and policing will be needed to change that dynamic.