NEW DELHI: West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya remarked on Sunday that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been “sent into exile” by the residents of the state. He sarcastically invited TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee to campaign in the Falta constituency ahead of the repoll scheduled for May 21.
While canvassing for BJP candidate Debanshu Panda, Bhattacharya criticized Banerjee for his absence, despite Falta being part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency that he represents. “We are missing you terribly. Please come,” Bhattacharya said, indicating a jab at the TMC leader.
Bhattacharya claimed that the TMC leadership has withdrawn from public engagements following recent electoral setbacks, asserting that the ruling party’s organizational strength has diminished. “Police are not there, so the leaders are not there. There is no convoy, so there is no roar anymore. Please come to Falta and campaign. Our workers and district leadership will welcome you with flowers and the blowing of conch shells,” he added.
Continuing his critique of TMC post-election, Bhattacharya remarked, “Someone once said DJs would play after the results. I had said harmonium and jal tarang could also be played. Now all of it is being played inside homes.”
On the previous day, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also campaigned in Falta, stating that the repoll would “re-establish voter rights where people have not been able to vote for 10 years.” Bhattacharya expressed confidence in the repoll outcome, aiming for a victory margin of over 1.25 lakh votes for Panda, surpassing the one lakh margin previously indicated by Adhikari.
Additionally, Bhattacharya encouraged TMC workers to campaign freely without fear, stating, “Come out without hesitation, organize rallies and meetings. There will be no attack from the BJP’s side.”
In a bid to connect with minority communities, Bhattacharya asserted that the BJP has no issues with ordinary minority citizens and promised that a BJP government would generate employment opportunities in South 24 Parganas.
The Election Commission had annulled the Falta election held on April 29 due to allegations of substantial irregularities, including claims of EVM tampering and voter intimidation.
