Amit Shah: Victory in Bhabanipur Key to West Bengal's Political Shift
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Kolkata, April 2 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized on Thursday that a victory in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency of South Kolkata would lead to a significant shift in the political landscape of West Bengal. In this pivotal constituency, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing off against Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition.
During a roadshow in Bhabanipur, prior to Adhikari's nomination filing, HM Shah claimed, “The BJP is on a steady path towards winning 170 constituencies in the upcoming elections, one victory at a time. However, I propose a shortcut. If the electorate in Bhabanipur backs our candidate, it will inevitably result in a regime change in West Bengal.”
Shah highlighted that Adhikari had previously triumphed over Banerjee in the Nandigram assembly constituency in East Midnapore during the 2021 elections. “At that time, the Chief Minister managed to form her government despite her defeat in Nandigram. This time, I've encouraged Adhikari to contest in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, and I am confident that the Trinamool Congress will lose in West Bengal, particularly in Bhabanipur,” Shah stated.
He also mentioned that he would be present in West Bengal for 16 days, engaging with the public until the elections conclude on April 29. “Today, I'm here to support our candidates, especially Suvendu Adhikari,” Shah added.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated as Amit Shah's convoy approached the Alipore Survey Building for Adhikari’s nomination. A group of Trinamool Congress supporters reportedly gathered near Harish Chatterjee Street and attacked BJP supporters accompanying the convoy.
One BJP supporter suffered serious injuries during the incident. Following the convoy's departure, BJP supporters allegedly retaliated, escalating tensions in the vicinity. Law enforcement faced challenges in controlling the situation and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the clashing factions.
The state BJP leadership later criticized the police for permitting Trinamool Congress supporters to gather along the route, raising security concerns regarding the Union Home Minister.