December 19, 2025 — West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya issued an apology after the removal of Soumyabrata Sengupta from an advisory role led to intervention from the party’s central leadership.
According to party sources, Bhattacharya told senior leaders that the decision to remove Sengupta was taken without his knowledge or approval. He is also understood to have said that the individual responsible for the decision has been permanently expelled from the party.
Party insiders say the episode caused widespread unease within the organisation, with several leaders and workers questioning the move. Sources attribute the decision largely to internal jealousy over Sengupta’s growing profile. Political analysts also point to long-standing organisational weaknesses in the BJP West Bengal, often described as the party’s weakest state unit and one largely composed of leaders who migrated from the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress.
Sengupta, founder of Chanakya Strategic Advisors, which has been affiliated to the BJP, has worked across India on governance and security communication projects. Officials familiar with his work say he coordinated closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs on sensitive issues, was commended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and was granted an honorary commission in the Rajput Regiment of India’s Territorial Army, a rare recognition for a civilian consultant. He has also supported initiatives linked to the Ministry of Defence and represented India through the Ministry of External Affairs.
The issue escalated after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha wrote to Bhattacharya, calling the move an avoidable humiliation, particularly as Sengupta was engaged in work connected to the Home Minister’s Office. Political sources say both leaders also conveyed that Sengupta would be welcome in advisory roles in their respective governments.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has worked closely with Sengupta, is also understood to have criticised the decision.
Following central intervention, Bhattacharya issued a personal apology and, according to party sources, also conveyed that Sengupta would be considered for a cabinet-rank role if the BJP forms the government in West Bengal.
Sengupta has since disengaged his firm from any party affiliation and will now work only as an independent consultant for a select group of senior political leaders.