Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal's Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, has increasingly embraced elements of 'Bengali Hinduism' as a strategic counter to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) aggressive Hindutva politics ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. This approach involves promoting a culturally rooted, inclusive form of Hinduism tied to Bengal's traditions, such as Durga Puja and temple projects, while maintaining her party's secular credentials. By doing so, she aims to consolidate Hindu votes without alienating minorities, blunting the BJP's narrative of TMC as a 'Muslim appeasement' party.

One key tactic is leveraging state-sponsored religious initiatives to appeal to Bengali cultural identity. For instance, the recent foundation-laying of the 'Durga Angan' temple in Kolkata and announcements for the Mahakal Temple in Siliguri and a bridge at Gangasagar highlight her focus on preserving Bengal's heritage, as recognized by UNESCO's 2021 listing of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. These moves position TMC as guardians of 'Bengali Hinduism'—a softer, syncretic version emphasizing festivals, local deities, and community harmony—contrasting with the BJP's pan-Indian, majoritarian Hindutva. This helps Mamata reclaim Hindu voters who shifted to the BJP in 2019 and 2024, when the party made gains by polarizing on religious lines.

Mamata's strategy also involves direct confrontation with BJP's communal rhetoric. She has accused the BJP of playing "Holi with communal blood" and inciting riots while clarifying that her politics avoids appeasement of any religion. By participating in pujas and visiting temples publicly, she counters allegations of bias, as seen in her response to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy, where she claimed most SIR-related deaths were Hindus. This narrative recasts TMC as protectors of all communities, using 'Bengali pride' to dilute the BJP's nationalistic Hindutva appeal in a state where regional identity remains strong.

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As Bengal heads into a high-stakes poll year, Mamata's recalibration of identity politics could prove decisive. The TMC's 28th foundation day emphasized this shift, with efforts to balance Muslim welfare and Hindu outreach. However, critics like the BJP argue it's a desperate ploy amid anti-incumbency. If successful, this 'Bengali Hinduism' model could redefine regional resistance to national Hindutva, but failure risks further polarization. With elections looming, Mamata's temple trail and cultural emphasis will be closely watched.

Also Read: ‘I Respect All Religions’: Mamata Defends Secular Credentials at Durga Angan Event