{
  "id": 11818852,
  "title": "‘Not the time for Babri-Mandir’: BJP shifts tack to development in Bengal bypoll",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/not-the-time-for-babri-mandir-bjp-shifts-tack-to-development-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T01:30:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/babri-mandir-bjp-bengal-bypoll-10905627/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Rejinagar, a predominantly Muslim constituency in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has shifted its focus to development and economic growth ahead of the October 6 bypoll. Party president Samik Bhattacharya emphasizes that the last election saw a significant loss for their candidate and that minority voters were not on their side. He acknowledges that 80% of Muslims reside in villages with low monthly incomes and limited government job participation, highlighting the need for change.\n\nThe BJP's narrative has changed dramatically from stoking anti-minority sentiments to directly reaching out to Muslims. This is the first time such an outreach has been seen in the state, with the party claiming no riots in the past six months under their government. They pledge to remain in power for the next 20 years, urging voters to choose them.\n\nMeanwhile, the BJP's chief rival in this bypoll, Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) leader Humayun Kabir, is facing harassment from the BJP administration. Kabir claims intimidation, including the filing of cases against him and his party leaders. Despite this, Kabir remains confident, stating that if free and fair polls are held, his son will win.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "BJP focuses on development in West Bengal's Rejinagar bypoll.",
    "Party president Samik Bhattacharya acknowledges low-income Muslim villages.",
    "BJP's outreach to Muslims marks a shift from anti-minority rhetoric."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}