The growing influence of the BJP in Bengal is seen as the main reason for Mamata’s ire. In the two by-elections in November the BJP replaced the CPI(M) as the main TMC opponent and stood second. The RSS and the BJP have been claiming that its ranks are swelling with new recruits as the people according to them are fed up with Mamata’s appeasement politics. They cite the state government’s inaction in the recent riots in Dhulagarh in Howrah, not far from near Kolkata, where Hindus were driven out of and their homes and shops gutted and plundered. This went on for 3-4 days, without police helping the victims or stopping the rioters. Also, Mamata acted partisan when a high level delegation led by Babul Supriyo tried to visit the riot hit areas. The BJP delegation sent by the BJP high command was stopped and returned by the state government on the pretext of law and order. Nor was media allowed for nearly a week after the riots.