Suvendu Adhikari criticizes Trinamool Congress over ‘appeasement politics’

Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday, alleging that the party is engaging in appeasement politics by promoting religious ceremonies like Iftar in government institutions, including police stations and colleges.

His remarks come amid a reportedly viral video from Jadavpur University, where a mass Iftar was held. The authenticity of the video has not been verified by The Economic Times.

“There is an attempt to consolidate the Muslim vote in Bengal by the ruling party,” Adhikari said. Citing the 2011 census, he claimed that the Muslim population, which was 27% at the time, has likely increased, and TMC is actively courting the community for electoral gains.


He also asserted that the 2026 assembly elections would be an opportunity to remove the Mamata Banerjee-led government, stating, “People of Bengal are unhappy with Mamata Banerjee.”

Adhikari alleged that the state government has directed colleges and police stations to organize religious events. He pointed to a video from Kotulpur Police Station, where a Block Development Officer (BDO) was seen participating in an Eid celebration. “This is happening under Mamata Banerjee’s instructions. It is high-level appeasement politics and a dangerous trend,” he said.

He also referred to an Iftar celebration at Asutosh College in Kolkata, stating, “We respect Indian Muslims. We can greet them on Eid but not be part of Iftar, which is observed after fasting. I will also visit a party colleague’s house in Nandigram on Eid to extend my wishes.”

Adhikari urged the Hindu community to be vigilant if they want to protect their interests.