Kolkata

Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday kickstarted the BJP’s campaign for the high-profile Bhabanipur assembly seat in Kolkata, where he is set to contest against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

After arriving from Delhi, Adhikari inaugurated the party’s election office on Chakberia Road and participated in a rally, expressing confidence about his prospects. He said he would campaign extensively across the constituency and claimed he would secure victory by a margin of 25,000 votes.

Launching a sharp attack on Banerjee, the BJP leader accused her of fostering corruption and alleged that local shopkeepers and residents were facing harassment linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress leadership, including references to Abhishek Banerjee.

The campaign launch saw brief tensions in the area as supporters of both the BJP and TMC gathered in large numbers. While BJP workers welcomed Adhikari with drums and party flags, TMC supporters raised slogans in support of the chief minister. Kolkata Police deployed heavy security and set up barricades to prevent clashes.

Adhikari also visited a local police station, alleging that BJP workers were being threatened. He warned of staging a protest if his campaign activities were obstructed.

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On contesting from two constituencies, Adhikari said the decision was taken on the advice of Narendra Modi, expressing confidence of winning both Bhabanipur and Nandigram.