Kolkata, May 6: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari asserted on Wednesday that following the Trinamool Congress’s defeat in the assembly elections, outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has become irrelevant in West Bengal politics.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the state Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office in Kolkata, Adhikari emphasized that incidents of post-election violence would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Adhikari, who won assembly elections from both Nandigram and Bhawanipur, stated that the BJP would act against those involved in violence, prioritizing law over religion and community.
His visit to the CEO’s office was to express gratitude to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting violence-free, transparent, and fair elections. Before entering the office, he remarked, “We are here to thank the CEO for the peaceful voting and smooth counting process that occurred in two phases.”
After meeting with Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, special observer Subrata Gupta, and special police observer N.K. Mishra, Adhikari addressed a press conference, praising the commission for ensuring peaceful elections.
Referring to the Bhawanipur assembly constituency, he claimed that many voters who were previously hesitant to vote participated without hesitation this time. He noted that Bhawanipur has several large housing complexes, and for the first time, polling booths were set up inside 20 of these complexes. Many voters informed him that this was the first time they felt free to cast their votes.
When asked about Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to resign from the chief minister’s position despite losing the election, Adhikari declined to comment directly. He stated that it is written in the constitution and expressed hope that the Governor and Raj Bhavan would take appropriate action. He added that Banerjee no longer holds any significance in West Bengal politics and that there is no need to waste more words on her.
Adhikari claimed that the current incidents of violence are significantly limited compared to those following the 2021 assembly elections and the 2023 panchayat elections. Nevertheless, he reiterated that any act of violence would not be tolerated.
Addressing allegations of post-election violence, he stated, “I am not defending anyone. However, I had previously stated that no one should touch the offices of political opponents. Our stance remains the same today.”
He also called for maintaining peace and assured that legal action would be taken against those involved in violence. He noted that some anti-social elements are still active and that after the government is formed, actions would be taken against all, regardless of party affiliation.
He further stated that if any BJP leader or worker is found inciting violence, action would be taken against them as well.
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P.S.K.
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