Mamata Banerjee ‘Irrelevant’ After Poll Defeat, Says Suvendu Adhikari

Kolkata, May 2026 : BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that she had become “irrelevant” in the state’s political landscape after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) suffered a major defeat in the recently concluded Assembly elections.

Speaking to mediapersons after visiting the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Kolkata, Adhikari said the BJP would ensure strict action against those involved in post-poll violence and asserted that no political affiliation would shield offenders from legal consequences.

Adhikari, who secured victories from both the Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies, visited the CEO’s office on Strand Road along with BJP leaders to express gratitude to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting what he described as free, fair and peaceful elections in the state.

“We have come to thank the Chief Electoral Officer and the Election Commission for conducting peaceful polling in two phases and ensuring a smooth counting process,” Adhikari told reporters before entering the office.

After meeting Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agrawal, Special Observer Subrata Gupta and Special Police Observer N.K. Mishra, the BJP leader praised the poll panel for maintaining transparency and order during the election process.

Highlighting the polling atmosphere in Bhabanipur, where he defeated Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari claimed that many residents who had previously hesitated to vote were able to cast their ballots freely this time.

“There are several large housing complexes in Bhabanipur. For the first time, polling booths were established inside nearly 20 such complexes. Many voters told me that this was the first election in which they could vote independently and without fear,” he said.

When asked about Mamata Banerjee not resigning from the Chief Minister’s post after the electoral setback, Adhikari refrained from directly commenting on constitutional procedures but said the matter should be handled appropriately by Raj Bhavan.

“It is clearly mentioned in the Constitution. I believe the Honourable Governor and Raj Bhavan will take the necessary steps. As far as Mamata Banerjee is concerned, she has become irrelevant in West Bengal politics. There is no need to waste further words on her,” he remarked.

Adhikari also addressed concerns over sporadic incidents of post-poll violence reported from certain districts. While acknowledging that isolated disturbances had occurred, he claimed the scale of violence was far less compared to the aftermath of the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2023 panchayat polls.

“I am not defending anyone. Even during earlier elections, I had clearly stated that no one should attack offices of rival political parties. That remains our stand even today,” he said.

The BJP leader appealed for peace and restraint among party workers and warned that anti-social elements attempting to create unrest would face strict legal action once the BJP government assumes office.

“Action will be taken against every person involved in violence, irrespective of religion, community or political identity. Even BJP leaders or workers found instigating violence will not be spared,” Adhikari asserted.

He further claimed that the BJP government, once formally constituted, would focus on restoring law and order and ensuring that political clashes do not disrupt normal life in the state.