19-JUN-2025, 02:00PM
In a fresh political flashpoint ahead of the Kaliganj assembly bypolls in West Bengal, senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, lashed out at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for allegedly displaying what he termed an “anti-Gujarati attitude.” His remarks came in response to TMC’s objection to the appointment of an Ahmedabad-based firm for overseeing webcasting during the Kaliganj by-elections.
Suvendu Adhikari claimed that TMC’s resistance was politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary controversy around a standard administrative procedure. The BJP leader’s statement has once again stirred a broader political debate, touching on regional sensitivities and transparency in electoral practices.
Suvendu Adhikari Accuses TMC of Regional Bias
Webcasting Row Escalates Ahead of Kaliganj Bypolls
Addressing the media in Kolkata, Suvendu Adhikari criticized TMC’s objection to the Ahmedabad-based agency selected by the Election Commission to manage the webcasting of the Kaliganj bypolls. “This is not just a procedural protest—it reeks of an anti-Gujarati mindset,” he said. “The TMC cannot dictate which agency the Election Commission should select, especially when it is a neutral, professional firm approved by constitutional authority.”
The bypoll, scheduled for later this month, has already become politically charged, with both BJP and TMC deploying top leaders and campaign machinery. The inclusion of a Gujarat-based webcasting agency—seen as a symbolically significant choice—has only added fuel to the already tense political atmosphere.
Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the ruling party’s real issue was with the Election Commission tightening its oversight, particularly through the use of external agencies perceived to be outside of TMC’s influence.
TMC Hits Back at Suvendu Adhikari’s Remarks
Trinamool Defends Its Position, Alleges Political Conspiracy
In response to Suvendu Adhikari’s statements, TMC leaders strongly defended their objection, saying that their concern was not about the agency’s regional origin, but rather about transparency, data integrity, and impartiality. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “This isn’t about Gujarat or any region. We are merely questioning the lack of transparency in awarding the contract to a firm outside West Bengal without inviting proper tenders.”
TMC also accused the BJP of attempting to use central institutions to influence the electoral process. “This has nothing to do with regional bias. The BJP is trying to impose its narrative and agencies on West Bengal elections,” added Ghosh.
Election Commission Maintains Neutrality in Vendor Selection
Suvendu Adhikari Welcomes EC’s Stand on Webcasting
According to officials from the Election Commission, the appointment of the Ahmedabad-based agency followed standard procedure. The firm was reportedly chosen based on its past performance, cost-efficiency, and capacity to deploy webcasting services at short notice.
Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the Commission’s impartiality and urged it not to succumb to political pressure. “The EC must not bend to the whims of a party that has been questioned on several occasions for poll irregularities. If anything, external agencies enhance credibility,” he stated.
The Election Commission has thus far not indicated any intention to change the agency. However, it has assured all stakeholders of complete transparency and operational integrity during the upcoming Kaliganj bypolls.
Suvendu Adhikari Turns Focus to Voter Confidence
Ensuring Free and Fair Elections in Bengal
Beyond the agency dispute, Suvendu Adhikari has raised broader concerns about free and fair elections in West Bengal. He reiterated that neutral oversight through webcasting is vital, especially in constituencies like Kaliganj where previous elections have witnessed allegations of voter intimidation and rigging.
He stated, “People have lost faith in the democratic process due to repeated instances of violence and booth capture. Webcasting from an impartial firm can help restore that trust. Opposing it shows that the TMC fears transparency.”
His comments resonate with BJP’s long-standing position that elections in West Bengal require enhanced monitoring and enforcement to prevent malpractice.
Political Implications for Gujarat-West Bengal Dynamics
Suvendu Adhikari Links TMC’s Stand to Anti-Gujarati Rhetoric
Suvendu Adhikari‘s reference to “anti-Gujarati attitude” is not merely rhetorical—it taps into a growing trend of political commentary that intersects state politics with national narratives. Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is often brought into discussions in Bengal politics, where the BJP is striving to increase its footprint.
By invoking Gujarat, Suvendu Adhikari appears to be positioning the BJP as a national party defending federal principles against what it sees as parochialism by TMC. “Bengal does not belong to one party or one ideology. It belongs to all Indians—whether from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, or the Northeast,” he said.
Kaliganj Bypoll: A Litmus Test for Both Parties
Suvendu Adhikari Eyes Victory Amid Rising Stakes
The Kaliganj bypoll is being closely watched as a litmus test for both TMC’s hold on rural constituencies and BJP’s grassroots penetration. Suvendu Adhikari, as the BJP’s face in Bengal, has been leading the campaign personally and is seen as instrumental in shaping the party’s narrative.
Party insiders believe that Adhikari’s strong stance on issues like webcasting and election integrity may resonate with voters concerned about transparency. The BJP hopes to use this by-election to build momentum ahead of the upcoming municipal polls and future state elections.
Conclusion: Suvendu Adhikari’s Fight for Electoral Integrity or Political Optics?
Whether one views it as a fight for clean elections or a calculated political strategy, Suvendu Adhikari’s vocal criticism of the TMC’s stance on the Ahmedabad-based webcasting agency has certainly amplified the stakes of the Kaliganj bypoll. The controversy has turned a local electoral issue into a national talking point, highlighting once again the complex interplay of regional politics and federal governance.
As the bypoll approaches, all eyes will remain on whether the Election Commission sticks to its decision, and how Suvendu Adhikari’s narrative influences voter sentiment—not just in Kaliganj but across West Beng
Source : ANI
