West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday launched a fresh attack on his predecessor Mamata Banerjee, declaring that he was not a “weak” or “coward” chief minister and warning elected representatives against making statements that could inflame communal tensions.
Without naming him, Adhikari appeared to target Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir over what he described as recent "inflammatory" remarks, PTI reported.
Drawing a contrast with the previous administration, Adhikari said Banerjee had failed to act firmly, while asserting that his government would not overlook irresponsible conduct by public representatives.
"Make no mistake, I am not a weak and coward chief minister like Mamata Banerjee. I will not tolerate reckless comments from elected representatives. I have asked the local MLA to choose his words carefully, keeping in mind the Constitution of the country," Adhikari said.
He made the remarks while addressing a public rally in Rejinagar in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, where a bypoll is due to be held. Although the Election Commission has not yet announced the polling schedule, Adhikari said the election could take place within the next 30 to 45 days.
Appealing to voters in the constituency, the chief minister said electing the BJP candidate would pave the way for development and fulfil the aspirations of local residents, instead of continuing what he described as politics centred on Hindu-Muslim divisions that had prevailed in the region for years.
Adhikari also criticised the previous Trinamool Congress government led by Banerjee, alleging that the area had witnessed prolonged unrest because of violence carried out under the guise of protests against issues such as the CAA-NRC and the Waqf Act.
The chief minister has previously criticised Kabir over his public remarks. During the state Assembly's budget session on June 29, Adhikari had said it was time to teach the Nowda MLA "a lesson".
"I will not allow you (Kabir) to make such reckless and unrestrained public statements ever again. I will not only make him withdraw his statements, but also ensure he thinks multiple times before making such remarks. I assure this House that this would be the last time he makes such comments in public," Adhikari had said.
Those comments came after he accused Kabir of making provocative statements aimed at creating divisions ahead of the Rejinagar bypoll. Kabir's son is expected to contest the election after the MLA vacated the Rejinagar seat. Kabir had won both the Nowda and Rejinagar constituencies and chose to retain the Nowda seat.
Apart from Rejinagar, a bypoll will also be held in Nandigram after Adhikari vacated the constituency and retained Bhabanipur, where he defeated Banerjee.
Also Read | BJP replaces Bankipur candidate before high-profile bypoll featuring Prashant Kishor
