BJP Slams ‘Poll-Bound’ OBC Survey In Bengal, Calls For ‘Major Movement’

Last Updated:March 27, 2025, 11:49 IST

Party leader Suvendu Adhikari said the survey is unconstitutional and accused the Bengal government of focusing solely on the Muslim community ahead of the 2026 elections while neglecting the Hindu OBC community

Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the survey, which has been conducted since March 10, lacks official notification and order. (PTI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari has raised concerns about the ongoing OBC survey conducted by the West Bengal government, calling it illegal, politically motivated, and targeted towards a specific vote bank.

Calling for a “major movement" involving OBCs in Bengal, Adhikari alleged that the survey, which has been conducted since March 10, lacks official notification and order. He asserted that it is unconstitutional and challenges the judiciary by “focusing solely on the Muslim community ahead of the 2026 elections while neglecting the Hindu OBC community".

Background of the OBC Survey

Last year, the Calcutta High Court canceled OBC certificates issued by the state government since 2010. In response, the state government approached the Supreme Court to challenge the HC’s order. The government said they would conduct a fresh OBC survey within three months and submit it to the court.

Adhikari’s Allegations

Adhikari questioned the current survey, stressing that it only targets minorities and ignores proper OBC communities. He also presented a video showing a Nandigram BDO stating there is no notification for the survey. Adhikari claimed the government was attempting to divert resources from Hindu OBCs without scientific data by creating non-existent communities.

Allegations Against the State Government

On March 18, 2025, the West Bengal government informed the Supreme Court that it would conduct a new survey to identify OBCs in the state within three months. This move came after the Calcutta High Court scrapped all OBC certificates issued since 2010, citing that 75 of the 77 communities added to the OBC list were Muslims. The high court stressed that religion seemed to be the primary criterion for inclusion, which it deemed an affront to the Muslim community.

BJP’s Stand

The BJP argued that a class is declared OBC based on identifiable data and its inadequate representation in state services. Adhikari claimed the TMC government is conducting a flawed survey to justify its issuance of OBC certificates to its vote bank. He alleged that the survey lacks scientific data and is an attempt at appeasement under the guise of welfare.

TMC’s Response

Meanwhile, TMC leaders Jayprakash Majumdar and IT Cell chief Devangshu questioned Adhikari’s claims, stating that the OBC matter is sub-judice and the BJP leader has no right to comment on it. They argue that the issue should be resolved between the court and the government. According to TMC leaders, the people of Bengal have rejected BJP’s divisive politics.

News politics BJP Slams ‘Poll-Bound’ OBC Survey In Bengal, Calls For ‘Major Movement’