KOLKATA, July 14: Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, triggered a political firestorm on Monday after urging Hindus to “prepare weapons” during a protest rally in Khejuri, in the state’s East Midnapore district. The comments have drawn sharp criticism and are expected to intensify political tensions in the state ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Leading a BJP-organized protest march from Janaka to Vidyapith, Adhikari accused the state police of protecting members of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), particularly from a “special community,” while allegedly framing Hindus in false cases. Referring to recent deaths of two BJP workers in Khejuri—Sujit Das and Sudhirchandra Paik—Adhikari alleged they were “killed in a planned manner” and promised legal support to their families. Addressing the crowd, Adhikari said: “Hindus must prepare bamboo sticks soaked in oil… More such sticks must be made. Unite the Hindus.” He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party’s “nephew gang” of orchestrating a narrative to shield “their peace-loving boys” while allegedly suppressing Hindus.
The remarks came during a bandh (shutdown) called by the BJP in protest over the deaths. Adhikari also handed over financial aid to the bereaved families and assured them of full legal assistance.
Ratcheting up political rhetoric, the BJP leader challenged the TMC’s dominance in East Midnapore, stating, “The more you jail the people of Nandigram and Khejuri, the more united they will become. In 2021, East Midnapore gave 44% votes to Narendra Modi. In 2026, we will give him all 16 assembly seats.”
In a controversial statement, Adhikari further suggested that “Hindus could be killed by TMC’s minority supporters in the days to come,” hinting at potential communal polarization.
The remarks have sparked backlash from political opponents and civil society groups, who accused Adhikari of promoting communal unrest. The TMC has yet to issue an official response, but sources within the party condemned the speech as “provocative and dangerous.”
West Bengal has witnessed frequent political clashes between BJP and TMC supporters, particularly in rural areas like East Midnapore, where both parties are competing for influence ahead of crucial electoral contests.
