Suvendu Adhikari Accuses Bengal Govt of Framing Women in Sandeshkhali

In a fiery address at a rally in Sandeshkhali, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of fabricating charges against local women and vowed to hold Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accountable if the BJP assumes power in Bengal in 2026.

Adhikari’s remarks come in the wake of Mamata Banerjee’s recent visit to Sandeshkhali, her first since allegations of sexual harassment and land grabbing against local TMC leaders sparked protests earlier this year. During her visit, the CM denied the accusations, attributing the unrest to a conspiracy fueled by monetary influence.

Adhikari’s Allegations Against TMC

At the rally, Adhikari accused Banerjee of orchestrating the arrests of women in Sandeshkhali as part of a broader political vendetta before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that the women were protesting against the oppressive actions of local TMC strongmen, such as Shahjahan Sheikh.

“Mamata Banerjee had conspired to arrest mothers and sisters here on false charges. If the BJP forms the government, we will initiate an inquiry commission to probe these atrocities and ensure action against her for abetting such oppression,” said Adhikari.

He also accused the ruling party of leveraging religious divides to maintain power. “The TMC won the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat due to Muslim votes, but Hindus in Sandeshkhali have consolidated against their oppression and will support the BJP in the next assembly elections,” he claimed.

Mamata Banerjee’s Visit to Sandeshkhali

Earlier this week, Banerjee chaired a public distribution programme during her visit to Sandeshkhali. Addressing residents, she urged them not to pay bribes to avail benefits from state-run schemes. She also dismissed the protests as being instigated by financial and political motives.

The CM sought to reassure local women, urging them to remain vigilant and not respond to dubious calls or demands from individuals.

Tensions Over Alleged Land Grabbing and Harassment

Sandeshkhali has been a flashpoint of discontent in Bengal politics, with allegations of land grabbing and sexual harassment by local TMC leaders sparking large-scale protests earlier this year. Adhikari claimed that the BJP had performed well in the Sandeshkhali assembly segment in the previous elections and vowed a stronger mandate in the future, citing the consolidation of Hindu voters.

Accusations of Electoral Malpractices

Adhikari further alleged irregularities in the TMC’s election practices, pointing to flaws in the nomination papers of late TMC MP Hazi Sk Nurul Islam during the Basirhat elections. BJP candidate Rekha Patra had filed a complaint with the Election Commission, he noted, criticizing the TMC for resorting to “unfair electoral practices.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the 2026 Bengal assembly elections on the horizon, Sandeshkhali remains a key battleground. Adhikari’s promise of an inquiry into alleged TMC atrocities and his warnings of legal action against Mamata Banerjee highlight the intensifying political conflict in the state.

As Bengal’s political landscape continues to evolve, the situation in Sandeshkhali underscores the growing divide between the BJP and TMC ahead of crucial electoral battles.