Suvendu Adhikari attacks Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee at a Baruipur rally, challenges them to elections and intensifies the BJP-TMC political battle in West Bengal.
By Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata, October 30, 2026
Suvendu Adhikari has launched a fresh political offensive against former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, declaring that she has lost her political ground in the state and should shift her attention to national politics in Delhi. Addressing a public meeting in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, the Chief Minister also targeted TMC national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, challenging both leaders to contest elections against him.
Suvendu Adhikari intensified his attack on the Trinamool leadership during the gathering at New Indian Ground on Friday, asserting that the BJP would continue expanding its influence across West Bengal. He predicted that the upcoming municipal elections would also witness a strong performance by the saffron party. His remarks reflected the BJP’s determination to challenge the TMC’s political dominance at the grassroots level.
‘Go to Delhi’: Suvendu Challenges Mamata and Abhishek to Electoral Contest
Taking a direct swipe at Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari referred to the INDIA bloc’s proposed political gathering at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi and suggested that the TMC chief should concentrate on national politics rather than continue her political activities in West Bengal.
“You should go to Ramlila Maidan. There is nothing left for you in West Bengal,” he remarked, in an apparent reference to Mamata Banerjee’s political ambitions beyond the state.
The exchange followed an earlier comment by Mamata, who had reportedly advised the former Chief Minister to consider retirement and take rest, referring to her age of nearly 75 years. Responding to that remark, Adhikari challenged her to enter the electoral contest once again. “If she has the courage, let her contest. I will defeat her again,” he declared.
The BJP leader also directed his criticism towards Abhishek Banerjee, challenging the Diamond Harbour MP to face him in an election. He claimed that he would defeat Abhishek even if the latter secured a victory margin comparable to his previous electoral performances.
“Abhishek, you contest an election and I will defeat you. Even if you win by a particular margin, I will defeat you by one vote more,” Adhikari said, in a politically charged challenge.
The remarks further intensified the already bitter confrontation between the BJP leadership in Bengal and the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Abhishek Alleges Political Vendetta, TMC Hits Back
The BJP leader’s attack came a day after Abhishek Banerjee accused central and state investigating agencies of being used against him for political reasons.
Speaking on Thursday, the TMC MP alleged that agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), along with the Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police, had been deployed to target him.
Abhishek claimed that approximately 30 cases had already been registered against him and challenged his political opponents to initiate more if they wished.
“I have 30 cases against me. Let them file another 50. They have been trying for six or seven years through central investigating agencies. They believe that keeping me in jail will silence me, but they cannot intimidate me,” he reportedly said.
He also alleged that his personal assistant had been falsely implicated in a case and kept in custody for nearly two and a half months. Abhishek maintained that such measures would not weaken his political resolve.
Responding to these allegations, Adhikari raised questions about the alleged involvement of senior TMC leaders in corruption cases. Without naming the person directly at first, he questioned when the “big thief” would finally be sent to prison before subsequently referring to Abhishek Banerjee.
The exchange prompted a strong reaction from the Trinamool Congress.
Senior TMC MP Saugata Roy described Adhikari as vindictive and driven by political revenge. He argued that the BJP leadership was using its political authority to target opposition workers and leaders.
Roy said that numerous Trinamool workers had been sent to prison after the BJP came to power, adding that legal battles could continue for several years before reaching a conclusion.
He also criticised Adhikari for allegedly focusing on sending political opponents to jail instead of addressing the concerns of ordinary people.
Roy maintained that the Trinamool Congress would continue its political struggle against what he described as an atmosphere of intimidation and retaliation.
Suvendu : Warning Over Alleged Land Grabbing and Post-Poll Violence
During the Baruipur meeting, Adhikari also raised allegations concerning post-election violence, illegal land occupation and local political activities in South 24 Parganas.
He issued warnings against individuals whom he accused of being involved in such activities, referring to local political figures including Jahangir Khan, popularly associated with the name ‘Pushpa’, and TMC MLA Shaukat Molla.
The BJP leader indicated that action would be taken against those allegedly involved in unlawful activities if his party gained political control.
These allegations formed part of the BJP’s wider campaign against the Trinamool Congress in the region, where issues relating to political violence, local influence and land disputes have remained important subjects of political confrontation.
Adhikari also directed his criticism towards Left-wing political leaders and supporters, using the expression “cockroach party” to mock his political opponents.
Referring to his earlier public meeting at Kakdwip, he said that he had wanted to organise a gathering in Baruipur as well.
In a controversial remark, he claimed that the presence of “cockroaches and bedbugs” had increased in the area and suggested that this was one of the reasons for holding the public meeting there.
The comment drew attention because of its sharp and derogatory political language, adding another dimension to an already aggressive election-oriented speech.
The Baruipur rally highlighted the increasingly confrontational relationship between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. While Adhikari sought to portray the TMC leadership as politically vulnerable and challenged its top leaders to face electoral battles, the Trinamool Congress accused him of pursuing a politics of revenge and intimidation.
With municipal elections and future political contests approaching, both parties appear determined to strengthen their respective positions through public meetings, sharp political statements and allegations against their opponents.
Whether the BJP can translate its aggressive political campaign into electoral gains remains to be seen. However, the latest confrontation demonstrates that the political battle between Suvendu Adhikari, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee is far from over.
