Politics: Civilizational War in Bengal—Deciphering the Battle of Symbols and Identity

The political discourse in West Bengal has shifted from policy to a profound “Civilizational War.” Analysts Vijay Trivedi and Rakesh Shukla highlight Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic use of cultural symbolism, particularly his presence on the Hooghly River (Bhagirathi). This connects his political journey—which began at the Ganges in Varanasi—directly to Bengal’s spiritual landscape. By turning local activities like eating Jhalmuri or photographing the river into major “events,” the PM is bridging the gap between national identity and “Bengali Ashmita” (Regional Pride). The battle is now framed as a clash between two parallel civilizations: the TMC’s regional cultural narrative and the BJP’s broader Hindu civilizational vision. Experts suggest these acts are not merely symbolic but calculated electoral maneuvers intended to claim political “blessings” from the river that links Bihar’s past victories to Bengal’s future.

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