Nirmala Sitharaman To Visit Bengal's Handloom Hubs In December As BJP Weaves 2026 Poll Narrative

In a move that signals the BJP’s renewed engagement with West Bengal’s traditional industries ahead of next year’s assembly elections, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to visit the state in December to assess financial difficulties in the handloom sector.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit will focus on the renowned weaving hubs of Santipur and Fulia in Nadia district, known for their rich handloom traditions, including the iconic Bengal cotton and jamdani sarees.

The decision followed Samik Bhattacharya’s meeting with Sitharaman in New Delhi on Monday (November 3), where he briefed her about the economic distress and infrastructure challenges that the state’s weavers are facing. After

the meeting, Bhattacharya said, Sitharaman decided to make an on-ground assessment of the situation.

“Today I had a long chat with Nirmala Sitharaman about Bengal’s handloom industry. She too was interested to know and concerned – why those who have been associated with this craft for years are facing such economic distress? They have to be taken out of it. Saree is Bengal’s identity, which too is coming from outside, and many weavers are forced to migrate to other professions,” Bhattacharya said.

She will visit the homes of weavers and handloom factories during her trip to West Bengal in December, Bhattacharya added. Party insiders said her visit is part of a broader effort by the BJP to connect with the state’s small-scale and traditional industries, a constituency that has long felt neglected.

The handloom sector, which supports thousands of families in rural West Bengal, has long faced rising input costs, shrinking markets, and competition from powerloom products.

The BJP leaders said the Union minister’s visit aims to explore “financial and institutional support” mechanisms for the weavers. It also signals the Centre’s intent to promote West Bengal’s artisanal heritage on a national stage.

The visit carries a political undertone by highlighting West Bengal’s cultural economy and its struggles. The BJP seems eager to challenge the Trinamool Congress on local livelihood and development issues, themes that could resonate deeply in the run-up to the 2026 elections.

Santipur, Fulia, Murshidabad, and Birbhum are facing significant financial distress. Once thriving hubs of fine cotton and silk weaving, these centres have been hit by rising yarn and dye costs, shrinking market demand, poor access to credit, and competition from cheaper powerloom and synthetic products. With limited institutional support and delayed government payments, several families have fallen into debt.

The trip, likely to include meetings with local weavers, cooperatives, and self-help groups, is expected to set the tone for the BJP’s campaign narrative, weaving together economy, tradition, and political strategy.