Bankim Chandra's Kin Joins BJP, Calls for Bengal Change with 'Bande Mataram'

• Sumitra Chattopadhyay, a descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and former Labour Department official, joined the BJP.
• She was welcomed by BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya and Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav in Salt Lake.
• Sumitra expressed concern over unemployment and lack of accountability in current schemes, citing development as her reason for joining BJP.
• Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav highlighted 'Bande Mataram' as a national inspiration and symbol of unity, connecting it to Sumitra's joining.
• BJP aims to project itself as a competent administrative alternative, using Bengali identity as a key strategy.