Suvendu Adhikari: Mamata 'irrelevant' after TMC's Bengal poll defeat
Synopsis
BJP's Suvendu Adhikari didn't mince words after TMC's Bengal poll defeat — calling Mamata Banerjee 'irrelevant' and declining to say more. His visit to the CEO's office to thank the Election Commission, combined with a zero-tolerance pledge on post-poll violence, signals the BJP is already governing in tone, if not yet in office.
Key Takeaways
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari declared Mamata Banerjee "irrelevant" in West Bengal politics following TMC 's Assembly election defeat.
Adhikari visited the Chief Electoral Officer 's office in Kolkata to thank the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting peaceful, fair elections.
He reportedly won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies in the Assembly elections.
Polling booths were set up inside 20 large housing complexes in Bhabanipur for the first time, enabling previously hesitant voters to participate.
Adhikari pledged zero tolerance for post-poll violence, warning action would be taken against all offenders — including BJP members — irrespective of party affiliation.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday declared that outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has become "irrelevant" in West Bengal politics following the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s defeat in the state Assembly elections. Adhikari made the remarks in Kolkata after visiting the office of the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Strand Road in central Kolkata.
Adhikari Thanks Election Commission
The BJP leader's visit to the CEO's office was primarily to express gratitude to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for what he described as a violence-free, transparent, and fair electoral process. He met Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agrawal, Special Observer Subrata Gupta, and Special Police Observer N.K. Mishra before addressing a press conference.
"We have come to thank the CEO for the peaceful manner in which polling was conducted in two phases and for the smooth counting process," Adhikari said before entering the office.
Bhabanipur Voters Cast Ballots 'Independently' for First Time
Adhikari, who reportedly won the Assembly elections from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies, highlighted a notable development in Bhabanipur. He claimed that polling booths were set up inside 20 large housing complexes in the constituency for the first time, enabling previously hesitant voters to participate freely.
"Many voters told me this was the first time they could cast their votes independently," he said.
On Mamata Banerjee's Refusal to Resign
When asked about Mamata Banerjee not tendering her resignation as Chief Minister despite the election defeat, Adhikari declined to comment directly but did not hold back his assessment. "It is written in the Constitution. I hope the Honourable Governor and Raj Bhavan will take appropriate action in this regard. She is now irrelevant in West Bengal politics. I do not think there is any need to waste more words on her," he said.
Post-Poll Violence: Zero Tolerance Pledge
Adhikari acknowledged incidents of post-poll violence but noted that, compared to the unrest that followed the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2023 panchayat elections, current incidents were comparatively limited. He nonetheless stressed that no act of violence would be tolerated under any circumstances.
"I am not defending anyone. But even after what happened during the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2023 panchayat polls, I had said no one should touch the offices of political opponents. This remains our stand," he said.
Adhikari added that after the formation of the BJP government, action would be taken against all those involved in violence — irrespective of party affiliation — including any BJP leader or worker found inciting unrest. With the new government's formation imminent, the political temperature in West Bengal is expected to remain elevated in the days ahead.
Point of View
Deferring instead to the Governor, points to a constitutional pressure strategy rather than a direct confrontation. The post-poll violence acknowledgement is telling: by benchmarking current incidents against 2021 and 2023, Adhikari is simultaneously conceding violence exists while lowering its political cost. The real test will be whether the BJP's zero-tolerance pledge survives contact with its own cadre.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Suvendu Adhikari call Mamata Banerjee irrelevant?
Adhikari made the remark following the Trinamool Congress's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, saying Banerjee's continued position as Chief Minister without resigning was a constitutional matter for the Governor to address. He declined to elaborate further, stating there was "no need to waste more words" on her.
What was Suvendu Adhikari doing at the CEO's office in Kolkata?
Adhikari visited the Chief Electoral Officer's office on Strand Road in central Kolkata to thank the Election Commission of India for conducting what he described as peaceful, transparent, and fair Assembly elections. He met CEO Manoj Kumar Agrawal, Special Observer Subrata Gupta, and Special Police Observer N.K. Mishra.
From which constituencies did Suvendu Adhikari win the Assembly elections?
Adhikari reportedly won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
What did Adhikari say about post-poll violence in West Bengal?
Adhikari acknowledged incidents of post-poll violence but said they were comparatively limited compared to unrest after the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2023 panchayat elections. He pledged zero tolerance, warning that legal action would be taken against all offenders irrespective of party affiliation, including BJP members.
Why is Mamata Banerjee's resignation significant?
As Chief Minister, Banerjee is constitutionally expected to resign following her party's defeat in the Assembly elections. Adhikari indicated he expects the Governor and Raj Bhavan to take appropriate constitutional action, signalling a potential political and constitutional standoff in West Bengal.
