West Bengal Leader Suvendu Adhikari Attacks Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 25 (ANI): West Bengal Leader of Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging corruption, appeasement politics, and decline in public support. Referring to the ongoing political contest in his constituencies, Adhikari said, "In this area, Mamata Banerjee and Firhad Hakim have been ahead, but this time they won't be able to stay ahead. TMC will be wiped out this time." He further accused the ruling party of dividing society, saying, "Mamata Banerjee's politics of appeasement is what is dividing society." Reacting to Enforcement Directorate raids in the ration distribution scam case, Adhikari alleged large-scale corruption and linked it to the state leadership. He said, "The ED will go to the thief's house. Just like the fodder scam happened in Bihar, the grain scam has happened here." He further alleged, "Jyotipriyo Mullick looted the public, and 75% of the money went to Mamata Banerjee's house." Commenting on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs joining the BJP, Adhikari said it reflected a shift towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "Those who are nationalists are accepting Prime Minister Modi's leadership," he said. He also referred to AAP leader Raghav Chadha, stating, "Raghav Chadha is an educated man; it took him a little time, but he realised that making India prosperous and strengthening the country is only possible under Prime Minister Modi's leadership." Meanwhile, polling for the 152 constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly elections concluded on Thursday amid tight security arrangements. The state witnessed a high voter turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase I, reflecting strong electoral participation. Several districts in West Bengal recorded turnout figures exceeding 90 per cent. Dakshin Dinajpur led with 94.85 per cent, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54 per cent, Birbhum at 93.70 per cent, Jalpaiguri at 93.23 per cent and Murshidabad at 92.93 per cent. The figures indicate consistently high participation across districts, with all major regions recording over 90 per cent turnout. In comparison, the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal saw a voter turnout of 85.2 per cent. The numbers reflect an overwhelming voter turnout across districts, reinforcing both states' consistent trend of high electoral participation. Voting for the remaining 142 constituencies is scheduled for May 29, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4. (ANI)