In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, spearheaded a major protest on January 11, 2026, directly accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government of orchestrating an attack on his life. The protest, held in Kolkata, saw a significant gathering of BJP leaders and workers rallying against the state administration's alleged failures.
Serious Allegations of Political Targeting
Addressing a charged crowd of party supporters, Suvendu Adhikari leveled grave accusations against the state machinery. He alleged a systematic misuse of the police force to target political opposition and stifle dissent. The protest was catalyzed by a recent incident involving an alleged attack on Adhikari's convoy, which the BJP claims is a stark indicator of the rising political violence and breakdown of law and order in West Bengal under TMC rule.
'Mamata Hatao, Bengal Bachao' Chants Fill the Air
The protest resonated with loud slogans of "Mamata Hatao, Bengal Bachao" (Remove Mamata, Save Bengal). BJP leaders used the platform to demand urgent accountability, justice, and the protection of democratic rights for all citizens and political workers. They vowed to intensify their agitation against the ruling dispensation, highlighting key issues of governance, corruption, and the alleged collapse of constitutional safeguards.
Implications for Bengal's Political Landscape
This public demonstration marks a significant moment in the state's ongoing political conflict. The direct allegation of a life-threatening attack on the principal opposition leader by the state government is unprecedented and sets a new, confrontational tone. The BJP has positioned this event as a fight for democratic survival in Bengal, promising continued resistance. The incident and the protest are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the political discourse in the state, potentially influencing public perception and future electoral strategies as both parties dig in for a prolonged battle.