‘Jai Bangla’ vs ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans rock Kalighat, Suvendu Adhikari leaves area, seeks security boost

Tension flared in Bhabanipur on Wednesday after BJP candidate and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari encountered protests while inspecting booths in Kalighat. According to allegations, as he stepped out of his vehicle near booths 217 and 218 in Ward No. 73, a group surrounded him, raising slogans of “Jai Bangla” and calling him a “thief”.

Suvendu claimed that those protesting were not residents and alleged an attempt to attack him. Amid the situation, he contacted the Election Commission, urging immediate reinforcement. He was heard saying over the phone, “Send more CRPF.”

BJP workers present at the spot responded with counter slogans such as “PC thief”, “nephew thief” and “Jai Shri Ram”.

Early morning face-off adds to friction

The developments came after a charged start to the day. Since the second phase of polling began, Suvendu has been moving across booths in Bhabanipur. Earlier in the morning at Chakbeeria, he came close to a direct encounter with Chief Minister and Trinamool candidate Mamata Banerjee, leading to visible tension.

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Later, during another inspection near Jai Hind Bhavan in Kalighat, similar slogan-shouting incidents were reported along the Harish Mukherjee Road stretch. Suvendu reiterated that those involved were “outsiders” and not voters from the area.

Political claims and counterclaims intensify

Reacting to the developments, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya posted on X, “The truth of Bhabanipur has come to light. As soon as Suvendu Adhikari arrived, fake voters were caught. Mamata Banerjee has been winning with fake voters' votes for so long. But this time it won't happen. The people of Bengal are watching and resisting.”

Trinamool leaders, however, rejected the allegations. Local councillor Kajari Banerjee said, “He is trying to create unrest by coming to different places. That's why mothers and sisters showed protests. No one attacked him. Voting was peaceful.”

Mamata Banerjee also alleged, “The commission is doing what BJP says."

Forces deployed as situation cools down

Central forces were later deployed in the area to stabilise the situation. There were also allegations of a lathi-charge during the process. Visuals showed Suvendu leaving the spot amid the tension.

Kolkata Police officer Debendra Prakash Singh said, “Some incidents had occurred. That's why we came. The situation is being brought under control.”

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Suvendu confident of result amid polling trends

Before heading to Kalighat, Suvendu visited Mitra Institution, where Mamata Banerjee is registered as a voter. “I will win this booth too,” he said.

He added, “In Bhabanipur, the main trouble is created by Ward Nos. 77 and 82. The central forces have tightened these two places well. So far, 35% votes have been cast. After this, there will be no more rain. As a result, voting will increase rapidly in the next 2 hours. If 80% votes are cast, I will win. If 90% votes are cast, the margin will increase. I will be ahead in all wards except 77.”

Suvendu also said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had called him. “I told him about the slow pace of voting. He advised talking to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. I would request the voters, this time, the vote is different. It's a big responsibility. Cooperate with the Election Commission. Give some time. Maybe you have to wait a little. But don't go home without voting. From morning, the role of central forces has dried up the faces of the Chief Minister and her people.”