Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Ahead of the by-election for the Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal, newly elected Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has significantly raised the political temperature in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha area. Speaking at a massive public rally organized on Saturday in support of BJP candidate Debangshu Panda, he launched a scathing attack against the Trinamool Congress and Abhishek Banerjee. This marked Suvendu Adhikari's first public rally in the area since assuming the office of Chief Minister. From this platform, while making several major announcements regarding law and order and corruption issues, he also launched a fierce verbal assault on the Trinamool candidate, Jahangir Khan.
**The IPS vs. Jahangir Controversy and Suvendu's Barrage**
The Chief Minister further intensified the political heat surrounding the controversy involving the Election Commission-appointed Police Observer—an IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Ajay Pal Sharma—and the Trinamool candidate for Falta, Jahangir Khan. When IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma visited Jahangir's residence and office following allegations of voter intimidation, Jahangir had compared himself to a cinematic character, declaring, "If he is 'Singham,' then I am 'Pushpa'." Seizing upon this remark, Suvendu Adhikari retorted sarcastically, pointing out that Jahangir's name had previously appeared on a list of 19 notorious criminals compiled by the National Human Rights Commission. He questioned the whereabouts of this "so-called 'Pushpa'" now, noting that he has completely vanished from public view. He issued a stern warning that, from this point forward, he would personally oversee the matter concerning this "Pushpa." The Chief Minister alleged that, over the past decade, the people of Diamond Harbour and Falta have been unable to exercise their franchise freely. He gave assurances that the re-election for the Falta seat—originally held on April 29 but subsequently annulled due to allegations of EVM tampering and voter intimidation—would be conducted in a free and peaceful manner on May 21. Furthermore, Suvendu claimed to have obtained a list of 24 properties belonging to Abhishek Banerjee's firm, 'Leaps and Bounds,' as well as files pertaining to its luxurious office in Amtala. He explicitly stated that a rigorous investigation into all these properties would commence very shortly. Adopting a firm stance on curbing political violence and crime within the state, the Chief Minister has made it unequivocally clear that no perpetrator involved in the post-2021 election violence will be spared. Regardless of how old the offense may be, he has issued directives to identify all culprits named in FIRs and ensure their swift incarceration. Furthermore, he has signaled his intention to reopen case files regarding past incidents of desecration of Hindu deities and to take disciplinary action against any police officials found to be culpable. Concurrently, by announcing a special development package for the people of Falta—extending beyond the scope of the election manifesto—the Chief Minister has pledged to establish the 'Rule of Justice' throughout the state.
At a Glance:
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a scathing jibe at Jahangir Khan—the Trinamool candidate for Falta who also features on the Human Rights Commission's list—derisively labeling him "Pushpa."
Claiming to have obtained records detailing 24 properties belonging to the firm 'Leaps and Bounds,' the Chief Minister has issued a stern warning that a swift investigation into the matter will be initiated.
Assurances have been provided that the re-election for the Falta Assembly constituency—originally scheduled for April 29 but subsequently cancelled—will be conducted in a completely peaceful manner on May 21.
Directives have been issued to reopen case files pertaining to older offenses—such as the post-2021 election violence and the desecration of deities' idols—and to ensure that the perpetrators are duly punished.