Suvendu Adhikari Challenges Mamata Banerjee to Contest Bhawanipore in 2026 Assembly Elections

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has issued a challenge to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging her to run in the 2026 assembly elections from Bhawanipore. Adhikari predicted a significant defeat for Banerjee in her home constituency, drawing a strong response from the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Adhikari, who defeated Banerjee in Nandigram during the 2021 elections, accused her of betraying leaders like Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee despite their support at crucial times. He criticised her for allegedly driving away investors and turning Bengal into an "industrial graveyard." He also accused Banerjee of minority appeasement and claimed that her political opportunism had been exposed.

Political Tensions Rise

In response to Banerjee's criticism of the BJP during a speech in the House, Adhikari retorted outside the Assembly. He stated, "You will be defeated in Bhawanipore as well. You will have to endure the pain of another loss for five more years, just like in Nandigram." His comments came after Banerjee accused him of switching parties for personal gains and hinted he might change sides again.

Banerjee, who resides in Bhawanipore, previously won the seat in 2011 and 2016 before contesting from Nandigram in 2021. Although her party secured a third consecutive term with a landslide victory, she lost to Adhikari in Nandigram but later won Bhawanipore in a bypoll.

Accusations and Counterclaims

Earlier, Adhikari staged a protest outside the Assembly, sitting on the ground in response to Banerjee's comments. He claimed his only fault was defeating her in 2021 and speaking against attacks on Hindus and tribal communities. TMC leader Sovandev Chatterjee accused Adhikari of violating his oath as an MLA by spreading falsehoods and communal rhetoric.

Chatterjee stated, "By peddling falsehoods and poisoning minds against minority communities, Adhikari is acting against India's secular and pluralistic values. He will face a crushing defeat at the hands of the people of Bengal." Meanwhile, senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh challenged Adhikari to contest from Bhawanipore, vowing to ensure his defeat by a record margin.

The political rivalry between Adhikari and Banerjee continues to intensify as both leaders prepare for future electoral battles. The exchange of accusations highlights ongoing tensions between the BJP and TMC in West Bengal's political landscape.