In a panel discussion held at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), West Bengal Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, vociferously criticized the administration led by Mamata Banerjee, labeling the Chief Minister as a “ruthless lady.” Adhikari asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is diligently working to dismantle the Trinamool Congress regime in the state by ushering in a “nationalist double-engine” government.
Drawing a historical parallel, Adhikari likened the governance in West Bengal to the model of Ibrahim Lodi, infamous as the sternest ruler of the Lodi Dynasty. Highlighting a perceived contradiction, he juxtaposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discourse on women empowerment with the alleged mistreatment of women in West Bengal’s Sandeshkali. Adhikari remarked, “Despite PM Modi advocating for the Women’s Reservation Act, observe the plight of women in West Bengal’s Sandeshkali. Mamata Banerjee has implemented an ‘Ibrahim Lodi’ paradigm here.”
Recounting his electoral triumph over Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram during the assembly polls, Adhikari divulged that the Chief Minister retaliated by filing 42 legal cases against him.
Accusing the Trinamool Congress-led government of orchestrating violence against Hindus amid the ongoing protests in Sandeshkali, Adhikari expressed concern for the safety of the Hindu community under the TMC administration. He warned of a demographic shift in West Bengal, envisioning the state transforming into Bangladesh, fueled by the influx of Bangladeshi migrants.
Denouncing allegations of sexual harassment and land encroachment in Sandeshkhali against TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, Adhikari implored students to vocalize their opposition to such incidents. Characterizing JNU as an intellectual hub, he urged students to speak out against any injustices occurring in Sandeshkhali.
Emphasizing widespread trust in the BJP within Sandeshkhali, Adhikari asserted that even the common populace has rallied in support of the protests.
The unrest in Sandeshkhali erupted following a January 5th incident where a mob attacked officials from the Enforcement Directorate during a raid on Shahjahan’s residence. Since then, the TMC leader has been evading authorities.