1 hr ago
Bengal Chief Minister Shifts Attacks Toward Resurgent Left
Suvendu Adhikari gave a speech about Jadavpur University in the West Bengal Assembly.
He strongly criticized the Left and the CPM.
He said the police would act against people accused of making anti-national slogans or causing disruption.
He used strong language and said he preferred the style of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to Mahatma Gandhi.
He also accused past CPM leaders’ families of receiving jobs illegally, though these were allegations.
Adhikari promised money from the central and state governments to improve the university.
The CPM said the BJP was attacking it because more people might support the Left.
Upcoming elections may show whether the Left is becoming a major opposition force.
Observers remain uncertain whether the Left can replace Trinamool as Bengal’s main opposition.
Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari targeted the CPM and Left politics during an Assembly speech on Jadavpur University.
Adhikari threatened forceful action over alleged anti-national slogans and invoked Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose rather than Mahatma Gandhi.
He accused Left-linked groups of disrupting universities and alleged illegal recruitment involving CPM leaders’ families.
He also promised ₹1,000 crore from the Centre and ₹300 crore from the state to develop Jadavpur University.
CPM leader Sujan Chakraborty said the BJP was attacking the Left because its support was growing as Trinamool weakened.
- Who
- West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, the CPM and Left, the BJP, and Jadavpur University were central to the report.
- What
- Adhikari attacked the Left, threatened action over alleged slogans and university unrest, made recruitment allegations, and announced proposed development funding for Jadavpur University.
- Where
- The remarks were made in the West Bengal Assembly and concerned Jadavpur University in Bengal.
- When
- The speech took place on Thursday; upcoming by-elections and Calcutta civic polls are expected to test the Left’s support.
- Why
- The BJP appears increasingly concerned that the Left could become the main opposition as Trinamool’s political support weakens.
CPM and Left perspective
BJP and government perspective
Reason for the attacks
CPM and Left perspective
The CPM says the BJP is using threats because popular support for the Left is increasing as Trinamool weakens.
BJP and government perspective
Adhikari says Left-linked groups have challenged elected governments and crossed limits through alleged anti-national and disruptive activity.
University and public-order response
CPM and Left perspective
The CPM characterizes the BJP’s approach as threat politics.
BJP and government perspective
Adhikari says police action is necessary and that legislators will not need to intervene physically.
Political prospects
CPM and Left perspective
Sujan Chakraborty says voters are beginning to view the Left as trustworthy and a possible alternative.
BJP and government perspective
Political observers question whether the Left has enough capability to become Bengal’s main opposition, with upcoming elections expected to provide evidence.
Key facts
- Speaker
- West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari
- Main target
- The CPM and Left-linked politics, particularly at Jadavpur University
- University funding
- The Centre was said to be preparing ₹1,000 crore, while the state would provide ₹300 crore
- Allegations
- Adhikari alleged anti-national slogans, disruption, and illegal recruitment involving CPM leaders’ families
- Political context
- The BJP had previously sought Left voters’ support to defeat the Trinamool government
- CPM response
- Sujan Chakraborty said the BJP had turned to threat politics because Left support was increasing
- Upcoming tests
- Left vote shares in by-elections and Calcutta civic polls may indicate its political strength
Quotes
Sujan Chakraborty
CPM central committee member responding to the BJP’s attacks
“When Samik Bhattacharya or Suvendu Adhikari asked our supporters to votefor them, we knew they were actually afraid of the CPM and the Left. Now, with popular support for us increasing, the BJP has resorted to threat politics.”
telegraphindia.com
“If you forcibly remove students from the hostels and say, ‘Kashmir mange azadi’, ‘Bharat tere tukde honge’, we will break you into pieces. There is a limit to insolence.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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