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Adhikari Characterizes Political Alignment as Temporary
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the emerging national-level understanding between the Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] as a "marriage of convenience" on Sunday. His remarks came amid speculations regarding an alignment between the two parties concerning issues involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Adhikari stated that the recent exchange of communiques between former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby was intended to reach a political understanding. He noted that these communications addressed differences among the top brass of the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
According to Adhikari, the alignment serves primarily to keep both parties relevant politically. "Once, the people of West Bengal brought Trinamool Congress to power in the state to remove CPI(M). And now the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) have become friends," Adhikari said. He added that Mamata Banerjee has joined hands with the CPI(M), describing this shift as a strategic move rather than an ideological one.
Disputes Over Electoral Defeats and Voter Lists
The Chief Minister also addressed allegations made by Banerjee regarding the SIR, which she claimed resulted in the deletion of over 27 lakh genuine voters in West Bengal. Adhikari countered these claims by asserting that opposition leaders are using the SIR as an excuse for their defeats in subsequent elections.
Adhikari pointed out that Banerjee had previously approached the Supreme Court against the SIR. He stated that judicial officers were appointed following the order of the Supreme Court and that these officials made the decisions regarding voter lists. "Now she is putting the blame for her defeat on the BJP, ECI and the SIR," Adhikari said.
Regarding electoral outcomes in West Bengal, Adhikari claimed that the Trinamool Congress won 208 seats in a previous election but was reduced to just 80 seats in subsequent polls. He stated that Banerjee has lost the name and symbol of her party, implying a significant decline in her political standing.
Rally Attendance and Democratic Mandate
Adhikari ridiculed the presence at Mamata Banerjee’s rally at Sreerampore in Hooghly district, claiming there were only 150 party supporters, 170 police personnel, and the rest media persons. He used this observation to underscore his argument that the opposition's narrative does not reflect ground realities.
Adhikari stated that denying the democratic verdict is disrespecting the mandate given by the people. He emphasized that the electoral results stand as a testament to the will of the electorate, regardless of the political maneuvering or alliances being discussed at the national level.
