The Surat unit of the BJP and the Surat Bengali Samaj have reportedly been working together for the last few months to identify voters sympathetic to the BJP to ensure none of the 5,000 votes go to any of the rival parties. We want the same for our home state,” Basudeb Adhikari, a member of the Surat Bengali Samaj, was quoted as saying in at least two media reports. The other two trains are Ahmedabad-Howrah Superfast Express and the Okha-Shalimar Weekly Superfast Express. The BJP and the Surat Bengali Samaj reportedly vetted applicants who had submitted documents to “prove” they are valid voters in Bengal. Surat has been home to Bengali artisans and workers employed in gold, diamond-studded jewellery and zari work.

Source: The Telegraph April 03, 2026 14:29 UTC