ECI should ensure Bengal Assembly poll held under President's Rule: Suvendu Adhikari

IANS April 14, 2025 306 views

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, has called for the upcoming state assembly elections to be conducted under President's Rule. He argues that this is necessary to protect voters, particularly in constituencies with low Hindu population percentages. Adhikari also highlighted recent violence in Murshidabad, claiming property worth Rs 100 crore was destroyed and demanding a National Investigation Agency probe. The politician accused the Communist Party of India-Marxist of being silent on attacks against Hindus in the state.

"I am asking for elections under the President's Rule so that every voter can cast their votes freely" - Suvendu Adhikari
Kolkata, April 14: The Election Commission of India (ECI) should ensure that the West Bengal Assembly poll next year is conducted next year under the President's Rule so that each and every voter can cast their votes without any fear, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday.

Key Points

1

Adhikari claims Hindu voters face intimidation in certain constituencies

2

Demands NIA probe into Murshidabad violence

3

Criticizes CPI-M for alleged inaction on communal tensions

“There are several constituencies in the state where the Hindu population is less than 50 per cent, Unless the elections are conducted under the President's Rule, the Hindu voters will not be able to cast their votes there,” Adhikari said while interacting with the mediapersons outside the Assembly.

He also said that his demand should not be misinterpreted.

“I am asking for elections under the President's Rule so that every voter, irrespective of caste and religion, can cast their votes freely and without any kind of fear. At the same time, the ECI should ensure the safety of the voters in the state for at least three months after the elections are over," Adhikari said.

Speaking on the occasion, he also said that around Rs 100 crore worth of property has been destroyed in the recent violence in Murshidabad district, reportedly in the name of the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

"Most of these properties were owned by the Hindus. We have prepared a list of those responsible for such vandalism. The list will be placed at the right place at the right time,” the leader of the opposition said.

He also said that the vandalism in Murshidabad had a lot of similarities with what happened in neighbouring Bangladesh in the recent past.

"The central armed police forces have already been deployed there. So we hope that there will be no more tension there. But at the same time I also demand a probe by the National Investigation Agency into the matter,” Adhikari said.

Speaking on the occasion, the leader of the opposition also launched a scathing attack against the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leadership for their role in the Murshidabad violence.

“CPI-M is acting like the B-team of Trinamool Congress in the matter. Their leader has asked for my arrest. When it comes to the issue of Palestine, the CPI-M always becomes vocal. But when it comes to attacks on the Hindus in West Bengal, they become silent,” the leader of the opposition said.

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
This is concerning but important. Every citizen deserves to vote without fear. President's Rule might be extreme though - can't we just ensure better security? 🤔
R
Rahul K.
The situation in Murshidabad sounds terrible. Property destruction is never the answer, regardless of the reason. Hope the investigation brings justice.
S
Sanjay P.
While I agree elections should be fair, bringing religion into this seems unnecessary. The focus should be on peaceful voting for ALL citizens.
A
Ananya D.
The comparison to Bangladesh seems exaggerated. We need solutions, not more division. ECI should definitely step up security measures though!
M
Mohit G.
Respectfully disagree with Adhikari here. President's Rule sets a dangerous precedent. The state government and ECI should work together to ensure fair elections.
N
Neha T.
The property damage is heartbreaking 💔 Hope the authorities can restore peace soon. Elections should be about democracy, not fear.

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Tags:
West Bengal Elections Suvendu Adhikari Election Commission Communal Violence President's Rule BJP
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