Suvendu Adhikari Slams Bengal Govt Over ‘Appeasement Politics’, Raises Concerns Over EC Cooperation Ahead of SIR

Kolkata: Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government on Monday, accusing it of “appeasement politics” and expressing serious doubts over the state’s willingness to cooperate with the Election Commission (EC) during the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In a strong-worded statement, Adhikari said, “Bengal has a government of appeasement, and everyone knows that. A court’s permission is needed for Durga Puja, stones are pelted on Ram Navami processions, and serious incidents happen during Hindu festivals. This is the state of religious freedom in West Bengal.”

Drawing a comparison with Bihar, he praised the Nitish Kumar-led government for cooperating with the EC in conducting the SIR exercise, which is crucial for updating voter lists. “In Bihar, the entire state government worked hand-in-hand with the Election Commission. EC is an independent constitutional body, and it is mandatory for both central and state governments to assist it,” he noted.

However, Adhikari cast doubt over West Bengal’s intentions. “With the situation in West Bengal, it is evident that the state government will not support the EC. We have no faith in this administration’s commitment to a fair electoral process,” he added.

His remarks come at a time when the state is already witnessing political heat over alleged discrepancies in voter rolls and demands from the opposition for a transparent electoral revision process. The SIR process, scheduled to begin later this month, is aimed at identifying fake voters, duplicate entries, and ensuring inclusion of eligible voters.