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OFBJP Chicago hosts community celebration after BJP wins
Organizers said the gathering reflected political engagement and cultural identity among members of the Indian diaspora.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 15, May 2026
- 02:47 EDT
- 14
Amar Upadhayay , Abhinav Raina, Chetan Rege, Rakesh Malhotra, Anurag Awasthi, Jonika and Ronit enjoying delicious Jhalmudi / Courtesy photo
The Chicago chapter of the Overseas Friends of BJP celebrated the Bharatiya Janata Party’s electoral victories in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry during a community event attended by nearly 300 guests, including community leaders and members of the Bengali community.
The event featured cultural performances and traditional Bengali food, including jhalmuri, rosogolla and sandesh. Organizers said the gathering reflected political engagement and cultural identity among members of the Indian diaspora.
The program began with the national anthems of the United States and India, followed by a saxophone rendition of “Vande Mataram” by Vardaan Tiwari.
State Coordinator Amar Upadhyay welcomed attendees and guests at the event.
Chicago Co-Coordinator Rakesh Malhotra spoke about the elections in West Bengal and Assam, describing the outcome as the electorate’s choice of “bharosa (trust) over bhoy (fear).” Referring to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Malhotra said the BJP government would represent a “Sashakt aur Samata ki Sarkar,” contrasting it with what he called a “Nirmamta ki Sarkar.”
He also said the results marked the beginning of what he described as an era of inclusive growth.
Speakers at the event described the election outcome in West Bengal as a political turning point and referred to the state as a cultural center associated with figures including Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
A one-minute silence and peace prayer were observed in memory of party workers whose contributions and sacrifices, organizers said, played a role in the party’s success.
Volunteers of the OFBJP Chicago chapter were also recognized for their work and continued involvement with the organization.
Dr. Ram Chakraborty, founder of Chicago Kali Bari, told attendees that people in West Bengal had experienced “a decade of inefficiency” and were now expressing optimism about the future.
Dr. Bharat Barai, a community leader, said the BJP had performed strongly in Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry while also making gains in Kerala. He described the results as a mandate for change and stressed the importance of democratic institutions and respecting election outcomes.
Other speakers included Heman Patel, founder of Shri Sanatan Sewa Sansthan; Nirav Patel and Vinesh Virani of Vishwa Hindu Parishad; and Krisha Bansal of an Indian community organization.
In their remarks, speakers discussed issues including governance, cultural identity and regional stability. Some also raised concerns related to illegal immigration and expressed hope for improved law and order and administration in West Bengal.
The event concluded with community interaction and continued celebrations among attendees.
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