Sumitra Chatterjee, a fifth-generation descendant of poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, joined the BJP ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. He criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress's employment policies, alleging the government prioritizes propaganda over jobs. Chatterjee called the 'Employment Bank' initiative a farce for unemployed youth.
Sumitra Chatterjee, a fifth-generation descendant of the poet and 'Vande Mataram' composer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. He was formally welcomed by BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. As a former top official in the Labour Department, Chatterjee has close familiarity with the state government's functioning.
The BJP views this addition of administrative experience and family heritage as a key asset in its campaign against the Trinamool Congress. Targeting the government's 'Employment Bank' policy, Chatterjee alleged that it involved deleting information of lakhs of youths from the old 'Employment Exchange' under administrative orders, prioritizing propaganda over employment.
Addressing the media, he stated, "Although nearly 4 million youth have registered their names, no real solution has been found. The ‘Yuvashree’ project which has been stopped and now only a daily allowance of Rs 50 is being given in the name of ‘Yuva Sathi’ is nothing but a farce with the unemployed youth."
Welcoming Chatterjee, Union Environment and Forest Minister Bhupendra Yadav said, "Bankim Chandra’s ‘Vande Mataram’ is the backbone of nationalism and patriotism in this country. It is a matter of pride to have a member of his family in the party." He hoped that Bankim Chandra's ideals would serve as the main resource for building a “superior Bengal” in the coming days.
In November 2025, Chatterjee and his brother Sajal Chatterjee had joined BJP leaders in highlighting the neglect of Bankim Chandra's house, taken over by the West Bengal government nearly two decades ago. Chatterjee had urged the state's Library Department to investigate the “misuse of the property” and noted that celebrations for the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ should have honored the writer.
