BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday filed his nomination from the Bhowanipore Assembly constituency in Kolkata, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, amid protests by Trinamool Congress workers outside the venue.
The nomination was submitted at the Survey Building. The development comes as Bhowanipore, currently represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is set to witness a high-profile contest.
Protests and clashes outside nomination venue
Tension was reported outside the Survey Building during the nomination process. Trinamool workers staged protests, leading to arguments with BJP supporters present at the site.
According to BJP sources, some protesters allegedly attacked their workers. One BJP supporter sustained an eye injury during the incident. The situation escalated briefly before central forces intervened to bring it under control.
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The BJP had planned to project the nomination as a major political event. Before filing papers, Amit Shah participated in a rally at Hazra More, followed by a roadshow that proceeded to the nomination venue along with Suvendu Adhikari.
Shah backs Suvendu in key contest
Addressing the rally, Amit Shah highlighted the significance of the contest and his role in Suvendu Adhikari's decision to contest from Bhowanipore.
"I will stay in West Bengal for 15 days before the vote. I will get many opportunities to speak with you. Today I have come for the nomination of our candidates, especially Suvendu Adhikari," Shah said.
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He added, "Our Suvendu-da wanted to contest from Nandigram. I told Suvendu-da, not just Nandigram. You have to enter Mamata's home and defeat her. And he has a record. In the last election, Mamata Banerjee formed the government in West Bengal, but she lost to Suvendu-da in Nandigram. This time, Mamata Banerjee will not only lose in the entire state, but she will also lose in Bhowanipore.”
Following the nomination, Suvendu Adhikari was seen greeting Amit Shah.
The developments underline the political significance of Bhowanipore as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Assembly elections.
