BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari encountered a hostile reception from TMC supporters at a polling booth in Kolkata during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The incident occurred as Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, arrived to cast his vote.
Protest at Polling Station
Upon his arrival, a group of TMC supporters gathered near the booth, shouting slogans against Adhikari and the BJP. The protestors accused the BJP of failing to deliver on its promises and criticized Adhikari's leadership. Security personnel had to intervene to control the situation and ensure that voting proceeded without disruption.
Adhikari's Response
Speaking to the media after casting his vote, Adhikari dismissed the protests as a sign of desperation from the ruling party. He stated, "The TMC is afraid of losing power, and their supporters are trying to create a ruckus. The people of West Bengal have made up their minds to bring a change." Adhikari urged the Election Commission to maintain strict vigilance to ensure free and fair elections.
Political Context
The West Bengal elections are being held in multiple phases, with the second phase covering several constituencies in and around Kolkata. The state has witnessed intense political rivalry between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP, with both parties trading accusations of violence and electoral malpractice.
Adhikari, a former TMC leader who joined the BJP in 2020, has been a prominent face of the opposition in the state. His defection was seen as a major boost for the BJP, but the party has struggled to replicate its national success in West Bengal.
