Political tensions are rising in Bagda as the by-election, scheduled for July 10, 2024, approaches. The latest controversy involves West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, whose planned rally in Bagda faced unexpected hurdles. Despite the initial setback, Adhikari launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of attempting to rig the by-election.
On Friday afternoon, the magistrate in charge of the Bagda Assembly constituency halted preparations for Adhikari’s rally, citing a lack of proper authorization. This move has sparked a heated political debate, with accusations of bias and unfair tactics flying from both sides. Adhikari, however, was undeterred. He continued his campaign on Saturday, leveraging the incident to criticize Banerjee. He claimed that Banerjee is orchestrating efforts to win the by-election through dishonest means.
Adhikari alleged that Banerjee had instructed the Superintendent of Police (SP) to ensure a victory for her party by any means necessary. He asserted that during a meeting with Partha Bhowmik and Rajib Banerjee, Banerjee had directly phoned the SP to demand a win in the Bagda seat, suggesting an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
This isn’t the only controversy swirling around the by-election. Adhikari also hinted at internal conflicts within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). He suggested that Banerjee might be considering replacing Firhad Hakim as Mayor with Sovan Chatterjee. This speculation gained traction after senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh visited Chatterjee’s residence, sparking rumors of Chatterjee’s possible return to the party. Chatterjee, once a close ally of Banerjee, has expressed willingness to return, depending on Banerjee’s decision.
As the by-election date draws nearer, the political atmosphere in Bagda remains charged with accusations and counter-accusations. Both parties are intensifying their campaigns, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for West Bengal’s political dynamics. The ongoing tensions and dramatic developments underscore the high stakes of this crucial by-election.
