BJP’s triumph in West Bengal won’t strain Dhaka–Delhi relations, says Advisor Zahed

The BJP’s victory over Trinamool Congress in the West Bengal Assembly election will not stand in the way of Bangladesh’s relations with India, according to Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday on government ministry activities, he said there is no official assessment on the vote, describing it as an internal political matter for India.

He explained that Bangladesh does not view West Bengal separately in terms of broader relations, pointing to longstanding cross-border engagement, including discussions around issues such as the Teesta water-sharing agreement.

The advisor said whichever party forms the government, interaction with the neighbouring state will continue given the shared border, the longest between Bangladesh and any Indian state.

“But what we want to say is that India as a whole, its friendly ties with Bangladesh, our engagement and our mutual interests will not be hindered in any way,” he added.

The Trinamool Congress, which had ruled West Bengal for 15 years, was ousted by the BJP in Monday’s polls, with unofficial results showing the latter heading towards a two-thirds majority.

Outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost her seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari by a margin of 15,000 votes.

Zahed said the issue gained traction after issues concerning Bangladesh became a part of the campaign discourse, but brushed aside the remarks as “political rhetoric”.

"After the government is formed, we will maintain relationship of beautiful cooperation," he added.