Lagatar24 Desk
Sandeshkhali: West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, visited Sandeshkhali today, a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the locals of this riverine island. The visit comes amid heated political rhetoric, with Sandeshkhali being at the center of controversy earlier this year, particularly during the Lok Sabha elections, over allegations of exploitation of women and land grab.
Mamata Banerjee, during her speech yesterday, dismissed the allegations as “lies,” attributing them to political games fueled by money. Suvendu Adhikari, a former aide of the Chief Minister turned BJP leader, retaliated with sharp remarks.
“If the BJP forms a government in Bengal, a commission will be set up on the Sandeshkhali incident. For the women you’ve jailed on false charges, remember, the BJP will send you to jail in turn. We will take revenge, with interest,” Mr. Adhikari warned.
Sandeshkhali in Political Spotlight
Sandeshkhali gained significant attention during the Lok Sabha elections, with the BJP making it a key campaign issue. Despite the controversies, the ruling Trinamool Congress held its ground, retaining the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat under which Sandeshkhali falls.
The BJP had fielded Rekha Patra, a local woman, as its candidate in the previous elections and is likely to repeat her in the upcoming by-polls following the demise of Basirhat MP Haji Nurul Islam.
Mamata’s Appeal to Women Voters
With the by-polls looming, Mamata Banerjee targeted women voters during her address, urging them to remain cautious.
“Don’t fall into the trap of bad men. If someone misleads or lies to you, remember, lies are exposed in time,” Ms. Banerjee said, warning against false narratives surrounding Sandeshkhali.
Her comments underscore the political sensitivity of the Sandeshkhali issue, which is expected to play a significant role in shaping the narrative of the upcoming by-election.
