Police Block BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari from Meeting Governor

On Thursday, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was prevented by the police from entering Raj Bhavan to meet West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose. Adhikari intended to meet the governor along with alleged victims of post-poll violence. However, citing Section 144 of the CrPC, which restricts large gatherings outside the Governor’s House, the police intervened, according to a senior BJP leader.

Stopped by Section 144 Enforcement

Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal state assembly, was waiting in his vehicle outside Raj Bhavan. He planned to meet the governor with the alleged victims to seek justice and facilitate their return home. As Adhikari and the vehicles carrying the victims approached Raj Bhavan, they were halted due to the enforcement of Section 144. Adhikari expressed confusion over the differing applications of the rule, noting that last year, Abhishek Banerjee had organized a protest outside Raj Bhavan without facing such restrictions. 

Accusations and Denials of Post-Poll Violence

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of instigating post-poll violence, a claim strongly denied by the ruling party. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh countered these allegations, asserting that TMC workers themselves have been victims of violence in areas won by the BJP. Ghosh highlighted incidents in Purba Medinipur district’s Khejuri, where TMC supporters were reportedly attacked and displaced.

Election Results and Political Climate

In the recent elections, the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, won 29 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. The BJP, however, experienced a significant loss, securing only 12 seats compared to the 18 it had won in 2019. This shift has intensified the political tension in the state, contributing to the current climate of accusations and counter-accusations.