Kolkata , 2 April : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that a victory in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata would result in a change of regime in West Bengal.
Addressing a roadshow ahead of the nomination filing of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Shah emphasised the significance of the seat, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against Adhikari.
“BJP is steadily moving towards winning 170 constituencies in West Bengal in the elections this month, by securing victories one by one. But I have a shortcut. If the voters of Bhabanipur can ensure a candidate’s victory here, then automatically there will be regime change in West Bengal,” Shah said.
Amit Shah recalled that Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Nandigram Assembly constituency in 2021. He added that she went on to form the government.
“That time, the Chief Minister went on to form her government in West Bengal. But she herself got defeated in Nandigram. So this time, I told Adhikari to contest from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur. This time, I am confident that the Trinamool Congress will be defeated in West Bengal and the Chief Minister will be defeated in Bhabanipur,” he said.
Amit Shah also stated that he would remain in West Bengal for 16 days in phases until polling concludes on April 29. He added that he would have several opportunities to address voters.
Clashes Mar Nomination Day
Tension broke out as Shah and Adhikari’s convoy approached the Alipore Survey Building for the nomination process.
A group of Trinamool Congress activists allegedly gathered near Harish Chatterjee Street. The location lies close to the residences of Mamata Banerjee and party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The group reportedly attacked Bharatiya Janata Party supporters accompanying the convoy.
One BJP supporter was seriously injured in the incident. After the convoy passed, BJP supporters allegedly retaliated, escalating the situation. Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the clashing groups.
The state Bharatiya Janata Party leadership later questioned the police over allowing Trinamool Congress supporters to gather along the route. It cited security concerns for the Union Home Minister.
