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{{short description|Indian politician (born 1970)}}
{{short description|Chief Minister of West Bengal since 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2026}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name               = Suvendu Adhikari
| name = Suvendu Adhikari
| image               = Suvendu Adhikari at Esplanade Metro Rail Station, Kolkata, 6 March 2024.jpg
| image = Suvendu Adhikari at Esplanade Metro Rail Station, Kolkata, 6 March 2024.jpg
| image_size         = 250px
| image_size = 250px
| caption             = Adhikari in 2024
| caption = Adhikari in 2024
| office             = [[List of leaders of the opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly|Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Legislative Assembly]]
| office = 9th [[Chief Minister of West Bengal]]
| governor            = [[Jagdeep Dhankhar]]<br/>[[La. Ganesan]] ''(additional charge)''<br/>[[C. V. Ananda Bose]]
| governor = [[R. N. Ravi]]
| deputy              = [[Mihir Goswami]]
| deputy = {{ubl|[[Agnimitra Paul]] | [[Dilip Ghosh (politician)|Dilip Ghosh]]}}
| predecessor        = [[Abdul Mannan (West Bengal politician)|Abdul Mannan]]
| term_start = 9 May 2026
| term_start          = 13 May 2021
| term_end =
| office1            = [[Jute Corporation of India|Chairman of the Jute Corporation of India]]
| preceding =
| 1blankname1        = [[Ministry of Textiles|Union Textiles Minister]]
| preceded = [[Mamata Banerjee]]
| 1namedata1          = [[Smriti Irani]]
| succeeding =
| predecessor1        = Ajay Kumar Jolly
| successor =
| term_start1        = 31 December 2020<ref>{{Cite news|last=Podder|first=Debasish|date=31 December 2020|title=জুট কর্পোরেশন অফ ইন্ডিয়ার চেয়ারম্যান হচ্ছেন শুভেন্দু অধিকারী, নতুন বছরেই নিয়োগ|url=https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/bengal/kolkata/suvendu-adhikari-will-appointed-as-the-chairman-of-jute-corporation-of-india-in-the-new-year-31609419893893.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231131434/https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/bengal/kolkata/suvendu-adhikari-will-appointed-as-the-chairman-of-jute-corporation-of-india-in-the-new-year-31609419893893.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 December 2020|access-date=31 December 2020|work=Hindustan Times|language=bn}}</ref>
| office1 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of [[West Bengal Legislative Assembly]]
| term_end1          = 2 March 2021<ref>{{cite news |title=BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari likely to step down as Chairperson of Jute Corporation of India |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bjp-leader-suvendu-adhikari-likely-to-step-down-as-chairperson-of-jute-corporation-of-india20210302170152/ |work=ANI News |date=2 March 2021 |access-date=29 May 2022}}</ref>
| term_start1 = 20 May 2016
| office2            = [[Second Banerjee ministry|Minister of Environment]] of [[Government of West Bengal|West Bengal]]
| constituency1 = [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nandigram]]
| term_start2        = 2018
| predecessor1 = [[Phiroja Bibi]]
| term_end2          = 2020
| term_start3 = 11 May 2006
| 1blankname2        = Chief Minister
| term_end3 = 16 May 2009
| 1namedata2          = [[Mamata Banerjee]]
| constituency3 = [[Kanthi Dakshin (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Contai South]]
| predecessor2        = [[Sovan Chatterjee]]
| predecessor3 = [[Sisir Adhikari]]
| successor2          = Mamata Banerjee<ref name="r"/>
| successor3 = [[Dibyendu Adhikari]]
| office3            = [[Department of Transport (West Bengal)|Minister of Transport]] of [[Government of West Bengal|West Bengal]]
| constituency2 = [[Bhabanipur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bhabanipur]]
| term_start3        = 27 May 2016
| term_start2 = 4 May 2026
| term_end3          = 27 November 2020
| predecessor2 = [[Mamata Banerjee]]
| 1blankname3        = Chief Minister
| office4 = [[List of leaders of the opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly|Leader of the Opposition in the<br /> West Bengal Legislative Assembly]]
| 1namedata3          = Mamata Banerjee
| governor4 = [[Jagdeep Dhankhar]]<br/>[[La. Ganesan]] ''(additional charge)''<br/>[[C. V. Ananda Bose]]<br/>[[R. N. Ravi]]
| predecessor3        = [[Aroop Biswas]]
| deputy4 = [[Mihir Goswami]]
| successor3          = [[Firhad Hakim]]<ref name="r">{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-to-keep-transport-portfolio-following-suvendu-adhikaris-resignation-2331328|title=CM Banerjee to retain transport portfolio following Suvendu Adhikari's resignation|newspaper=[[NDTV]]|date=28 November 2020}}</ref>
| predecessor4 = [[Abdul Mannan (West Bengal politician)|Abdul Mannan]]
| office4            = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| term_start4 = 13 May 2021
| term_start4        = 16 May 2009
| term_end4 = 9 May 2026
| term_end4          = 19 May 2016
| office5 = [[Jute Corporation of India|Chairman of the Jute Corporation of India]]
| constituency4      = [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tamluk, West Bengal]]
| 1blankname5 = [[Ministry of Textiles|Union Textiles Minister]]
| predecessor4        = [[Lakshman Chandra Seth]]
| 1namedata5 = [[Smriti Irani]]
| successor4          = [[Dibyendu Adhikari]]
| predecessor5 = Ajay Kumar Jolly
| office6            = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of [[West Bengal Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start5 = 31 December 2020<ref>{{Cite news|last=Podder|first=Debasish|date=31 December 2020|title=জুট কর্পোরেশন অফ ইন্ডিয়ার চেয়ারম্যান হচ্ছেন শুভেন্দু অধিকারী, নতুন বছরেই নিয়োগ|url=https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/bengal/kolkata/suvendu-adhikari-will-appointed-as-the-chairman-of-jute-corporation-of-india-in-the-new-year-31609419893893.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231131434/https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/bengal/kolkata/suvendu-adhikari-will-appointed-as-the-chairman-of-jute-corporation-of-india-in-the-new-year-31609419893893.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 December 2020|access-date=31 December 2020|work=Hindustan Times|language=bn}}</ref>
| term_start6        = 20 May 2016
| term_end5 = 2 March 2021<ref>{{cite news |title=BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari likely to step down as Chairperson of Jute Corporation of India |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bjp-leader-suvendu-adhikari-likely-to-step-down-as-chairperson-of-jute-corporation-of-india20210302170152/ |work=ANI News |date=2 March 2021 |access-date=29 May 2022}}</ref>
| constituency6      = [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nandigram]]
| office6 = [[Second Banerjee ministry|Minister of Environment]] [[Government of West Bengal|Government of West Bengal]]
| predecessor6        = [[Firoja Bibi]]
| term_start6 = 2018
| office7            =
| term_end6 = 2020
| term_start7        = 11 May 2006
| 1blankname6 = Chief Minister
| term_end7          = 16 May 2009
| 1namedata6 = [[Mamata Banerjee]]
| constituency7      = [[Kanthi Dakshin (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Contai South]]
| predecessor6 = [[Sovan Chatterjee]]
| predecessor8        = [[Sisir Adhikari]]
| successor6 = [[Mamata Banerjee]]<ref name="r"/>
| successor8          = Dibyendu Adhikari
| office7 = [[Department of Transport (West Bengal)|Minister of Transport]] of [[Government of West Bengal|Government of West Bengal]]
| birth_place         = [[Contai]], [[West Bengal]], India
| term_start7 = 27 May 2016
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1970|12|15|df=y}}
| term_end7 = 27 November 2020
| spouse             =  
| 1blankname7 = Chief Minister
| party               = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] {{small|(since 2020)}}
| 1namedata7 = [[Mamata Banerjee]]
| residence          = [[Kolkata]]
| predecessor7 = [[Aroop Biswas]]
| alma_mater          = [[Netaji Subhas Open University]] ([[Master of Arts|M.A.]])
| successor7 = [[Firhad Hakim]]<ref name="r">{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-to-keep-transport-portfolio-following-suvendu-adhikaris-resignation-2331328|title=CM Banerjee to retain transport portfolio following Suvendu Adhikari's resignation|newspaper=[[NDTV]]|date=28 November 2020}}</ref>
| profession         = [[Politician]]
| office8 = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| father             = [[Sisir Adhikari]]
| term_start8 = 16 May 2009
| relatives           = [[Dibyendu Adhikari]] (brother) <br/> [[Soumendu Adhikari]] (brother)
| term_end8 = 20 May 2016
| website             =  
| constituency8 = [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tamluk, West Bengal]]
| footnotes           =  
| predecessor8 = [[Lakshman Chandra Seth]]
| otherparty          = * [[Indian National Congress]] {{small|(1995–2000)}}
| successor8 = [[Dibyendu Adhikari]]
| birth_place = Karkuli, [[Purba Medinipur]], [[West Bengal]], India
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|12|15|df=y}}
| spouse =  
| party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] {{small|(since 2020)}}
| alma_mater = [[Rabindra Bharati University]].<ref>{{cite news |title= Suvendu Adhikar's Affidavit 2026 |url=https://suvidha.eci.gov.in/ac/public/uploads2/acaffidavit/E32/2026/AC/S25/210/S25_10940_3519_202604060137411775462861.pdf }}</ref> ([[Master of Arts|M.A.]])
| profession = [[Politician]]
| father = [[Sisir Adhikari]]
| mother = [[Gayatri Adhikari]]
| relatives = [[Dibyendu Adhikari]] (brother) <br/> [[Soumendu Adhikari]] (brother)
| website =  
| footnotes =  
| other_party = * [[Indian National Congress]] {{small|(1995–2000)}}
* [[Trinamool Congress]] {{small|(2000–2020)}}
* [[Trinamool Congress]] {{small|(2000–2020)}}
}}
}}


'''Suvendu Adhikari'''  (born 15 December 1970) is an Indian politician who has served as [[Leader of the Opposition]] and Leader of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party – West Bengal|West Bengal unit]] of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] since May 2021. Adhikari previously worked in the state ministry for the [[Government of West Bengal|West Bengal government]] from 2016 to 2020. He was elected [[Member of the Legislative Assembly|Member of Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) for [[Nandigram Assembly constituency|Nandigram]] in 2016 and 2021, previously for [[Kanthi Dakshin Assembly constituency|South Contai]] in 2005, and [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency|Tamluk]] in 2009, and 2014.<ref name=HT_1/>
'''Suvendu Adhikari'''  ({{IPA|bn|ʃubʱendu ɔdʱikari}}; born 15 December 1970) is an Indian politician who will be serving as the 9th [[Chief Minister of West Bengal]] from 9 May 2026. He also served as [[Leader of the Opposition]] and Leader of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party – West Bengal|West Bengal unit]] of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] till 9 May 2026. Adhikari previously worked in the state ministry for the [[Government of West Bengal|West Bengal government]] from 2016 to 2020. He was elected [[Member of the Legislative Assembly|Member of Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) for [[Nandigram Assembly constituency|Nandigram]] in 2016, 2021 and currently from [[Bhabanipur, West Bengal Assembly constituency|Bhabanipur]] since 2026. Previously he was elected from [[Kanthi Dakshin]] in 2005, and [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency|Tamluk]] in 2009, and 2014.<ref name=HT_1/>


He previously served as the Minister of Transport from 2016 to 2020, Irrigation and Water resource from 2018 to 2020 in the [[Government of West Bengal]]. He was also a member of [[Lok Sabha]] from [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tamluk]] from 2009 to 2016 and the chairperson of [[Jute Corporation of India]] from 2020 to 2021. He was a former member of the [[Trinamool Congress]] from 1998 to 2020 and [[Indian National Congress]] from 1995 to 1998. He is the son of [[Sisir Adhikari]], Member of Parliament and former Union Minister of State for Rural Development in the [[Council of Ministers of the Republic of India|Manmohan Singh government]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Ravik |title=Had no work, say former TMC ministers in UPA govt |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/had-no-work-say-former-tmc-ministers-in-upa-govt/story-u42OCyo4PuSXfNtPwjP3hO.html |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://westbengalelectionresult.com/suvendu-adhikari-profilecontact-blogs-news-address/469 | title = Suvendu Adhikari -Profile | access-date = 20 June 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101029035522/http://westbengalelectionresult.com/suvendu-adhikari-profilecontact-blogs-news-address/469 | archive-date = 29 October 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25210.htm?ac=210|access-date=2 May 2021|website=results.eci.gov.in|archive-date=3 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503202328/https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25210.htm?ac=210|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nandigram Election Result 2021 LIVE: Nandigram MLA Election Result & Vote Share - Oneindia |url=https://www.oneindia.com/nandigram-assembly-elections-wb-210/ |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=OneIndia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Nandigram Assembly Election Results 2021 LIVE - Nandigram Vidhan Sabha Election Results|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/elections/nandigram-west-bengal-election-result-2021|work=Times Now|access-date=29 May 2022}}</ref>
He previously served as the Minister of Transport from 2016 to 2020, Irrigation and Water resource from 2018 to 2020 in the [[Government of West Bengal]]. He was also a member of [[Lok Sabha]] from [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tamluk]] from 2009 to 2016 and the chairperson of [[Jute Corporation of India]] from 2020 to 2021. He was a member of the [[Trinamool Congress]] from 1998 to 2020 and [[Indian National Congress]] from 1995 to 1998. He is the son of [[Sisir Adhikari]], Member of Parliament and former Union Minister of State for Rural Development in the [[Council of Ministers of the Republic of India|Manmohan Singh government]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Ravik |title=Had no work, say former TMC ministers in UPA govt |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/had-no-work-say-former-tmc-ministers-in-upa-govt/story-u42OCyo4PuSXfNtPwjP3hO.html |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://westbengalelectionresult.com/suvendu-adhikari-profilecontact-blogs-news-address/469 | title = Suvendu Adhikari -Profile | access-date = 20 June 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101029035522/http://westbengalelectionresult.com/suvendu-adhikari-profilecontact-blogs-news-address/469 | archive-date = 29 October 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25210.htm?ac=210|access-date=2 May 2021|website=results.eci.gov.in|archive-date=3 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503202328/https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS25210.htm?ac=210|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nandigram Election Result 2021 LIVE: Nandigram MLA Election Result & Vote Share - Oneindia |url=https://www.oneindia.com/nandigram-assembly-elections-wb-210/ |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=OneIndia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Nandigram Assembly Election Results 2021 LIVE - Nandigram Vidhan Sabha Election Results|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/elections/nandigram-west-bengal-election-result-2021|work=Times Now|access-date=29 May 2022}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Adhikari was born on 15 December 1970 to [[Sisir Adhikari]] and Gayatri Adhikari at Karkuli in [[Purba Medinipur district]] in [[West Bengal]]. Sisir Adhikari is a politician, and former [[Minister of State]] in [[Second Manmohan Singh ministry]] and was elected to the [[Lok Sabha]] from [[Kanthi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kanthi constituency]] in 2019.<ref name="LS">{{cite web |title=Adhikari, Shri Suvendu |url=https://sansad.in/ls/members/biographyM/4501 |publisher=Lok Sabha |access-date=23 May 2025}}</ref><ref name="AN">{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Kajari |date=31 March 2018 |title=Nandigram: Trinamool's stronghold, one family's stranglehold |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/india/west-bengal-polls-nandigram-subhendu-adhikari |work=Asianet Newsable |access-date=11 May 2025}}</ref> Adhikari is unmarried.<ref>{{cite news |title=ভাইরা বিয়ে করলেও অকৃতদার তিনি, জানুন কেমন শুভেন্দুর সংসার |url=https://bangla.aajtak.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-elections/story/former-wb-minister-suvendu-adhikary-explained-why-he-unmarried-255166-2020-12-16 |access-date=28 May 2023 |work=Aaj Tak বাংলা |date=16 December 2020 |language=bn}}</ref>
Adhikari was born on 15 December 1970 into a [[Bengali Brahmin]] family,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhattacharya |first=Snigdhendu |date=13 March 2021 |title=At Nandigram, Site of Historic Land Movement, a Battle to See Who the 'Real' Brahmin Is |url=https://thewire.in/politics/at-nandigram-site-of-historic-land-movement-a-battle-to-see-who-the-real-brahmin-is |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313030537/https://thewire.in/politics/at-nandigram-site-of-historic-land-movement-a-battle-to-see-who-the-real-brahmin-is |archive-date=13 March 2021 |work=The Wire |access-date=8 May 2026 |quote=I am a Brahmin’s son. I do the chandipath every day.}}</ref> to [[Sisir Adhikari]] and Gayatri Adhikari at Karkuli in [[Purba Medinipur district]] in [[West Bengal]]. Sisir Adhikari is a politician, and former [[Minister of State]] in [[Second Manmohan Singh ministry]] and was elected to the [[Lok Sabha]] from [[Kanthi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kanthi constituency]] in 2019.<ref name="LS">{{cite web |title=Adhikari, Shri Suvendu |url=https://sansad.in/ls/members/biographyM/4501 |publisher=Lok Sabha |access-date=23 May 2025}}</ref><ref name="AN">{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Kajari |date=31 March 2018 |title=Nandigram: Trinamool's stronghold, one family's stranglehold |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/india/west-bengal-polls-nandigram-subhendu-adhikari |work=Asianet Newsable |access-date=11 May 2025}}</ref> Adhikari is unmarried.<ref>{{cite news |title=ভাইরা বিয়ে করলেও অকৃতদার তিনি, জানুন কেমন শুভেন্দুর সংসার |url=https://bangla.aajtak.in/elections/west-bengal-assembly-elections/story/former-wb-minister-suvendu-adhikary-explained-why-he-unmarried-255166-2020-12-16 |access-date=28 May 2023 |work=Aaj Tak বাংলা |date=16 December 2020 |language=bn}}</ref>


One of Suvendu's brothers, Soumendu, was the chairman of the [[Kanthi]] municipal corporation, now elected from Kathi Lok Sabha constituency in 18th Lok Sabha.<ref name="AN"/> [[Dibyendu Adhikari]], elected to Lok Sabha in 2019 from [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tamluk constituency]], is also his brother.
Adhikari received a [[Master of Arts]] degree from [[Rabindra Bharati University]] in the year 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title= Suvendu Adhikar's Affidavit 2026 |url=https://suvidha.eci.gov.in/ac/public/uploads2/acaffidavit/E32/2026/AC/S25/210/S25_10940_3519_202604060137411775462861.pdf |work=[[Election Commission of India]] |access-date=25 April 2026}}</ref>


Adhikari received a [[Master of Arts]] degree from [[Netaji Subhas Open University]].<ref name="LS"/>
==Political career==
 
===Early politics===
==Early political career==
Adhikari was first elected as a councillor from [[Indian National Congress]] in the [[Contai|Kanthi]] Municipality in 1995.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The importance of being Suvendu Adhikari: Why the TMC strongman is miffed with the party leadership|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/the-importance-of-being-suvendu-adhikari-why-the-tmc-strongman-is-miffed-with-the-party-leadership/684054|access-date=17 December 2020|work=Times Now|date=19 November 2020}}</ref> In 2006, Adhikari was elected to the [[West Bengal Legislative Assembly]] from [[Kanthi Dakshin]] constituency. He also became the Chairman of Kanthi Municipality in the same year.<ref name="LS"/>
Adhikari was first elected as a councillor from [[Indian National Congress]] in the [[Contai|Kanthi]] Municipality in 1995.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The importance of being Suvendu Adhikari: Why the TMC strongman is miffed with the party leadership|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/the-importance-of-being-suvendu-adhikari-why-the-tmc-strongman-is-miffed-with-the-party-leadership/684054|access-date=17 December 2020|work=Times Now|date=19 November 2020}}</ref> In 2006, Adhikari was elected to the [[West Bengal Legislative Assembly]] from [[Kanthi Dakshin]] constituency. He also became the chairman of Kanthi Municipality in the same year.<ref name="LS"/>


===Nandigram movement and rise within Trinamool Congress===
In 2007, Adhikari spearheaded the anti-land-acquisition movement in the [[Nandigram]]. He led the [[Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee]]. The ruling [[Left Front (West Bengal)|Left Front]] government in West Bengal planned to acquire 10,000 acres of land in the village to set up a [[special economic zone]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Arindam |title=Mamata promises to marry off raped girls of Nandigram |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/mamata-promises-to-marry-off-raped-girls-of-nandigram/story-umlmKryBUWdkP6re98mV2L.html |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=26 April 2007}}</ref><ref name="ET">{{cite news |title=Trinamool Congress confident of victory in Nandigram |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/trinamool-congress-confident-of-victory-in-nandigram/articleshow/52103488.cms?from=mdr |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=4 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="HT">{{cite news |title=From Nandigram to Murshidabad - Suvendu Adhikari is Mamata Banerjee's all weather man |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/from-nandigram-to-murshidabad-suvendu-adhikari-is-mamata-banerjee-s-all-weather-man/story-kNqePhKEQzC9SE9BpPs34M.html |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=26 August 2019}}</ref> This movement catapulted [[Mamata Banerjee]] to the centre-stage of Bengali politics.<ref name="HT"/> The state [[Criminal Investigation Department (India)|CID]] alleged that Adhikari had supplied arms to the Maoists to wage an armed movement against the state government.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Roy |first1=Anirban |title=CID to question Trinamool's Adhikari on Maoist links |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/cid-to-question-trinamools-adhikari-on-maoist-links-78841-2010-07-17 |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=17 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Trinamool MP accused of supplying ammo to Naxalites |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/east/story/trinamool-mp-accused-of-supplying-ammo-to-naxalites-78780-2010-07-16 |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=16 July 2010}}</ref>
In 2007, Adhikari spearheaded the anti-land-acquisition movement in the [[Nandigram]]. He led the [[Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee]]. The ruling [[Left Front (West Bengal)|Left Front]] government in West Bengal planned to acquire 10,000 acres of land in the village to set up a [[special economic zone]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Arindam |title=Mamata promises to marry off raped girls of Nandigram |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/mamata-promises-to-marry-off-raped-girls-of-nandigram/story-umlmKryBUWdkP6re98mV2L.html |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=26 April 2007}}</ref><ref name="ET">{{cite news |title=Trinamool Congress confident of victory in Nandigram |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/trinamool-congress-confident-of-victory-in-nandigram/articleshow/52103488.cms?from=mdr |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=4 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="HT">{{cite news |title=From Nandigram to Murshidabad - Suvendu Adhikari is Mamata Banerjee's all weather man |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/from-nandigram-to-murshidabad-suvendu-adhikari-is-mamata-banerjee-s-all-weather-man/story-kNqePhKEQzC9SE9BpPs34M.html |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=26 August 2019}}</ref> This movement catapulted [[Mamata Banerjee]] to the centre-stage of Bengali politics.<ref name="HT"/> The state [[Criminal Investigation Department (India)|CID]] alleged that Adhikari had supplied arms to the Maoists to wage an armed movement against the state government.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Roy |first1=Anirban |title=CID to question Trinamool's Adhikari on Maoist links |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/cid-to-question-trinamools-adhikari-on-maoist-links-78841-2010-07-17 |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=17 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Trinamool MP accused of supplying ammo to Naxalites |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/east/story/trinamool-mp-accused-of-supplying-ammo-to-naxalites-78780-2010-07-16 |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=16 July 2010}}</ref>


After Adhikari's success in Nandigram, Banerjee made him the party's observer (in-charge) of the [[Jungle Mahals|Jangal Mahal]] i.e. [[Paschim Medinipur district|Paschim Medinipur]], [[Purulia district|Purulia]] and [[Bankura district|Bankura]] districts. He was successful in expanding the party's base in these districts.<ref name="HT"/> In 2009, he was elected to the [[Lok Sabha]] from the [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tamluk constituency]].<ref>{{cite news |title=In Contai, it's family first for Trinamool's Sisir Adhikary |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/in-contai-it-s-family-first-for-trinamool-s-sisir-adhikary/537544/ |newspaper=[[Indian Express]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=5 November 2009}}</ref> He defeated his nearest rival [[Lakshman Chandra Seth|Lakshman Seth]] of [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]] by a margin of approximately 173,000 votes.<ref name="SA">{{cite web |date=17 May 2009 |title=Nandigram swings two seats in East Midnapore in Trinamool's favour |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/nandigram-swings-two-seats-in-east-midnapore/461025/ |access-date=30 July 2009 |publisher=Indian Express 17 May 2009}}</ref>
After Adhikari's success in Nandigram, Banerjee made him the party's observer (in-charge) of the [[Jungle Mahals|Jangal Mahal]] i.e. [[Paschim Medinipur district|Paschim Medinipur]], [[Purulia district|Purulia]] and [[Bankura district|Bankura]] districts. He was successful in expanding the party's base in these districts.<ref name="HT"/> In 2009, he was elected to the [[Lok Sabha]] from the [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tamluk constituency]].<ref>{{cite news |title=In Contai, it's family first for Trinamool's Sisir Adhikary |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/in-contai-it-s-family-first-for-trinamool-s-sisir-adhikary/537544/ |newspaper=[[Indian Express]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |date=5 November 2009}}</ref> He defeated his nearest rival [[Lakshman Chandra Seth|Lakshman Seth]] of [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]] by a margin of approximately 173,000 votes.<ref name="SA">{{cite web |date=17 May 2009 |title=Nandigram swings two seats in East Midnapore in Trinamool's favour |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/nandigram-swings-two-seats-in-east-midnapore/461025/ |access-date=30 July 2009 |publisher=Indian Express 17 May 2009}}</ref>


In the [[2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election]], Adhikari was pitted against Abdul Kadir Sheikh of the Left Front - [[Indian National Congress]] alliance in Nandigram constituency.<ref name="ET"/> After getting elected, he resigned as an MP from Tamluk constituency.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Dibyendu Adhikari to contest from Tamluk parliament constituency |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dibyendu-adhikari-tamluk-parliament-constituency-tmc-mamata-banerjee-347066-2016-10-17 |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=30 April 2019 |date=17 October 2016}}</ref> He was sworn in as the Minister of Transport in the [[Second Mamata Banerjee ministry]] on 27 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=List of Ministers in Mamata's cabinet |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/list-of-ministers-in-mamatas-cabinet/article8654872.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=30 April 2019 |date=27 May 2016}}</ref> Adhikari resigned from the post of chairman of [[Hooghly River Bridge Commission]] (HRBC), a statutory body under the Government of West Bengal on 26 November 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tmc-mla-suvendu-adhikari-resigns-transport-irrigation-minister-1744603-2020-11-27 |title=TMC's Suvendu Adhikari steps down as Bengal minister a day after resigning as Hooghly commission chairman |publisher=India Today |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> He also resigned as West Bengal Transport Minister on 27 November 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/west-bengal-tmc-rebel-leader-suvendu-adhikari-resigns-as-transport-minister-in-mamata-govt/687503 |title=West Bengal: TMC rebel leader Suvendu Adhikari resigns as Transport Minister from Mamata govt |publisher=Times Now |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> He had tendered his resignation to the speaker of West Bengal Legislative Assembly as MLA on 16 December 2020 which was not accepted by the speaker initially on grounds of technicality. However, it was eventually accepted on 21 December 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sanyal |first=Anindita |date=16 December 2020 |title=Trinamool's Suvendu Adhikari Quits As MLA Amid Reports He Will Join BJP |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/trinamool-dissident-suvendu-adhikari-resigns-as-mla-amid-reports-he-will-switch-to-bjp-2339450 |work=NDTV |access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref> On 17 December 2020 he resigned from  the primary membership of All India Trinamool Congress.<ref>{{cite news |title=Didi aide Suvendu Adhikari exits TMC, sparks a spate of resignations |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/didi-aide-suvendu-adhikari-exits-tmc-sparks-a-spate-of-resignations/articleshow/79787773.cms |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=18 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phadikar |first=Anshuman |date=6 July 2021 |title= Suvendu Adhikari meets victims of post-poll violence in East Midnapore |url= https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/suvendu-adhikari-meets-victims-of-post-poll-violence-in-east-midnapore/cid/1821357 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref>
In the [[2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election]], Adhikari was pitted against Abdul Kadir Sheikh of the Left Front - [[Indian National Congress]] alliance in Nandigram constituency.<ref name="ET"/> After getting elected, he resigned as an MP from Tamluk constituency.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Dibyendu Adhikari to contest from Tamluk parliament constituency |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dibyendu-adhikari-tamluk-parliament-constituency-tmc-mamata-banerjee-347066-2016-10-17 |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=30 April 2019 |date=17 October 2016}}</ref> He was sworn in as the Minister of Transport in the [[Second Mamata Banerjee ministry]] on 27 May 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=List of Ministers in Mamata's cabinet |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/list-of-ministers-in-mamatas-cabinet/article8654872.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=30 April 2019 |date=27 May 2016}}</ref>  


On 19 December 2020, he joined [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] in presence of Home Minister [[Amit Shah]].<ref>{{cite news |title=অমিত শাহের হাত ধরে বিজেপিতে যোগদান করলেন শুভেন্দু অধিকারী সহ ৯ জন বিধায়ক |url=https://banglahunt.com/subhendu-join-bjp-with-9-mla/ |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=Bangla Hunt |date=19 December 2020 |language=bn}}</ref><ref name="India Today">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/suvendu-adhikari-joins-bjp-in-presence-of-amit-shah-1751135-2020-12-19 |title=Suvendu Adhikari ends all speculation, joins BJP, delivers jolt to Mamata and TMC |access-date=29 May 2022 |magazine=India Today |date=19 December 2022}}</ref>
===Entry into Bharatiya Janata Party and 2021 elections===
Adhikari stepped down from the post of chairman of [[Hooghly River Bridge Commission]] (HRBC), a statutory body under the Government of West Bengal on 26 November 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tmc-mla-suvendu-adhikari-resigns-transport-irrigation-minister-1744603-2020-11-27 |title=TMC's Suvendu Adhikari steps down as Bengal minister a day after resigning as Hooghly commission chairman |publisher=India Today |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> He also resigned as West Bengal Transport Minister on 27 November 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/west-bengal-tmc-rebel-leader-suvendu-adhikari-resigns-as-transport-minister-in-mamata-govt/687503 |title=West Bengal: TMC rebel leader Suvendu Adhikari resigns as Transport Minister from Mamata govt |publisher=Times Now |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> He had tendered his resignation to the speaker of West Bengal Legislative Assembly as MLA on 16 December 2020 which was not accepted by the speaker initially on grounds of technicality. However, it was eventually accepted on 21 December 2020. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Sanyal |first=Anindita |date=16 December 2020 |title=Trinamool's Suvendu Adhikari Quits As MLA Amid Reports He Will Join BJP |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/trinamool-dissident-suvendu-adhikari-resigns-as-mla-amid-reports-he-will-switch-to-bjp-2339450 |work=NDTV |access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref> On 17 December 2020 he resigned from  the primary membership of All India Trinamool Congress.<ref>{{cite news |title=Didi aide Suvendu Adhikari exits TMC, sparks a spate of resignations |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/didi-aide-suvendu-adhikari-exits-tmc-sparks-a-spate-of-resignations/articleshow/79787773.cms |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=18 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phadikar |first=Anshuman |date=6 July 2021 |title= Suvendu Adhikari meets victims of post-poll violence in East Midnapore |url= https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/suvendu-adhikari-meets-victims-of-post-poll-violence-in-east-midnapore/cid/1821357 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref>


===2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election===
On 19 December 2020, he joined [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] in presence of Home Minister [[Amit Shah]].<ref>{{cite news |title=অমিত শাহের হাত ধরে বিজেপিতে যোগদান করলেন শুভেন্দু অধিকারী সহ ৯ জন বিধায়ক |url=https://banglahunt.com/subhendu-join-bjp-with-9-mla/ |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=Bangla Hunt |date=19 December 2020 |language=bn}}</ref><ref name="India Today">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/suvendu-adhikari-joins-bjp-in-presence-of-amit-shah-1751135-2020-12-19 |title=Suvendu Adhikari ends all speculation, joins BJP, delivers jolt to Mamata and TMC |access-date=29 May 2022 |magazine=India Today |date=19 December 2022}}</ref> Adhikari's defection was reportedly caused due his rivalry with Mamata Banerjee's nephew [[Abhishek Banerjee (politician)|Abhishek Banerjee]], who was being groomed as her heir-apparent.<ref>{{Cite news |title=কেউ দল ছেড়েছেন, দলে গুরুত্ব হারিয়েছেন কেউ কেউ! মমতার দাপুটে ‘মিডল অর্ডার’ ভেঙে পড়ল কি অভিষেকের উত্থানে? |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/how-mamata-banerjees-core-team-weakened-after-abhishek-banerjees-rise-in-tmc-dgtl/cid/1684845 |work=[[Anandabazar Patrika]]}}</ref>
He defeated the sitting chief minister of West Bengal [[Mamata Banerjee]] in [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nandigram assembly seat]] in [[2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election]] by 1,956 votes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nandigram election result 2021: Suvendu Adhikari beats Mamata by 1,736 votes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mamata-vs-suvendu-all-eyes-on-nandigram-as-counting-underway-in-west-bengal/articleshow/82350838.cms |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=2 May 2021}}</ref> Mamata Banerjee has filed an election petition in [[Calcutta High Court]] challenging the verdict of Nandigram.<ref name=HT_1>{{cite news |last1=Manral |first1=Karan |title=Mamata Banerjee challenges Suvendu Adhikari's Nandigram win in Calcutta High Court |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-challenges-suvendu-adhikari-s-nandigram-win-in-calcutta-hc-101623948924307.html |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=17 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
He defeated the sitting chief minister of West Bengal [[Mamata Banerjee]] in [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Nandigram assembly seat]] in [[2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election]] by 1,956 votes. Mamata Banerjee has filed an election petition in [[Calcutta High Court]] challenging the verdict of Nandigram.<ref name=HT_1>{{cite news |last1=Manral |first1=Karan |title= |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-challenges-suvendu-adhikari-s-nandigram-win-in-calcutta-hc-101623948924307.html |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=17 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref>


On 10 May, Union Minister [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]] announced Suvendu Adhikari as leader of the BJP legislature party in the West Bengal assembly.<ref>{{cite news |agency=PTI |title=Suvendu Adhikari Elected Opposition Leader In West Bengal Assembly |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/suvendu-adhikari-elected-opposition-leader-in-west-bengal-assembly-2438995 |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=NDTV |date=10 May 2021}}</ref>
On 10 May, Union Minister [[Ravi Shankar Prasad]] announced Suvendu Adhikari as leader of the BJP legislature party in the West Bengal assembly.<ref>{{cite news |agency=PTI |title=Suvendu Adhikari Elected Opposition Leader In West Bengal Assembly |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/suvendu-adhikari-elected-opposition-leader-in-west-bengal-assembly-2438995 |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=NDTV |date=10 May 2021}}</ref>
=== 2026 elections ===
In [[2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly]] elections, Suvendu simultaneously contested in both Nandigram as well as [[Bhabanipur, West Bengal Assembly constituency|Bhabanipur]], the seat held by outgoing CM [[Mamata Banerjee]] and won both by a spectacular margin. The last time when an incumbent CM was defeated on their own seat by a person contesting in 2 seats was in [[1967 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|1967]], when [[Ajoy Mukherjee]] of [[Bangla Congress]] defeated the then CM [[Prafulla Chandra Sen]] of the Congress party in his [[Arambagh Assembly constituency|Arambag]] seat while retaining his own [[Tamluk Assembly constituency|Tamluk]] seat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=রাজনৈতিক সন্ন্যাস হয়ে গেল মমতার’! ভবানীপুরে জিতে শুভেন্দু অধিকারী বললেন, ‘এই জয় হিন্দুত্বের |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/bjp-leader-suvendu-adhikari-slams-tmc-leader-mamata-banerjee-after-defeated-her-in-bhabanipur-assembly-constituency-dgtl/cid/1684877 |website=Anandabazar Patrika}}</ref>
After his 2026 election win, Suvendu Adhikari claimed support came mainly from [[Hindus|Hindu]], [[Buddhists|Buddhist]], [[Jainism|Jain]], and [[Sikhs|Sikh]] voters, not [[Muslims|Muslim]] voters. He said Muslim votes largely went to the opposition, highlighting religious voting patterns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Banerjee |first=Tirtho |date=5 May 2026 |title=‘Muslim voters openly…’: What Suvendu Adhikari said after defeating Mamata |url=https://www.news9live.com/elections/assembly/muslim-voters-openly-what-suvendu-adhikari-said-after-defeating-mamata-2968328 |access-date=8 May 2026 |website=News9live |language=en-US}}</ref>
On the night of 6 May 2026, assailants on bikes gunned down Suvendu's personal assistant [[Chandranath Rath]]. <ref>https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8pjz7dv7ro </ref>
On 8 May 2026, he was elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative Party in West Bengal in the presence of central observer [[Amit Shah]]. He is scheduled to take oath as the 9th [[Chief Minister of West Bengal]] on 9 May 2026, becoming the first chief minister from the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] to hold the office.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 2026 |title=BJP elects legislative party leader in West Bengal |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-west-bengal-legislative-party-meeting-2026-0000000/ |work=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 2026 |title=West Bengal to get first BJP Chief Minister on May 9 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/west-bengal-bjp-chief-minister-swearing-in/article000000.ece |work=The Hindu}}</ref>
== Chief Minister of West Bengal (2026–present) ==
He is scheduled to take oath on 9 May 2026 at the [[Maidan (Kolkata)|Brigade Parade Ground]] in [[Kolkata]]. <ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 2026 |title=West Bengal government formation LIVE: Suvendu Adhikari elected new CM of Bengal, to take oath on May 9 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/west-bengal-government-formation-live-updates-new-cm-to-be-elected-suvendu-adhikari-aide-death-sparks-unrest/article70954007.ece |work=The Hindu}}</ref>


==Electoral history==
==Electoral history==
* 1995 : Elected as a councillor from [[Indian National Congress]] in the [[Contai|Contai Municipality]]  
=== Legislative Assembly ===
* 2006 : Elected to West Bengal Vidhan Sabha, from [[Kanthi Dakshin (Vidhan Sabha constituency)]] as member of AITC.<ref>{{cite news |title=जानिए कौन हैं शुभेंदु अधिकारी, जिन्होंने ममता को दिया जोर का झटका; कभी उनकी सरकार में थे नंबर 2 |url=https://hindi.asianetnews.com/gallery/national-news/know-who-is-suvendu-adhikari-who-resign-as-tmc-mla-west-bengal-kpp-qlfk7c |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |date=16 December 2020 |language=hi}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
** Resigned mid-term to join Lok Sabha
|+[[West Bengal Legislative Assembly]]
* 2009 : Elected to Lok Sabha, from [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)]], member of AITC (All India Trinamool Congress)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Santanu |date=27 November 2020 |title=Explained: The importance of Suvendu Adhikari — to Trinamool Congress and BJP |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-importance-of-minister-suvendu-adhikari-to-trinamool-bjp-7051063/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=29 May 2022}}</ref>
!Year
* 2014 : Elected to Lok Sabha, from [[Tamluk (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
!Constituency
** Resigned mid-term to join Vidhan Sabha
! colspan="2" |Party
* 2016 : Elected to West Bengal Vidhan Sabha, from [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)]], member of AITC<ref name="result">{{cite news |title=Mamata Banerjee Loses To Suvendu Adhikari In Nandigram, Will Go To Court |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-wins-close-battle-in-nandigram-defeats-suvendu-adhikari-2426442 |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=NDTV |date=3 May 2021}}</ref>
!Votes
* 2021 : Elected to West Bengal Vidhan Sabha by beating Mamata Banerjee, from [[Nandigram (Vidhan Sabha constituency)]], member of BJP<ref name="result"/>
!%
!Opponent
! colspan="2" |Opponent
Party
!Opponent
Votes
!%
!Margin
!in %
!Result
|-
|[[2001 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|2001]]
|[[Mugberia Assembly constituency|Mugberia]]
|{{Party name with color|All India Trinamool Congress|rowspan=3}}
|'''59,724'''
|'''46.90%'''
|[[Kiranmoy Nanda|Kiran Moy Nanda]]
|{{Party name with color|West Bengal Socialist Party|rowspan=}}
|64,415
|50.58%
| -4,691
| -3.68%
| style="background:#FFB6C1;" | '''Lost'''
|-
|[[2006 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|2006]]
|[[Kanthi Dakshin Assembly constituency|Kanthi Dakshin]]  
|'''68,608'''
|'''50.60%'''
|Satyendra Nath Panda
|{{Party name with color|Communist Party of India|rowspan=2}}


==Policy stance and achievements==
|60,028
===Stance on infiltration, CAA, and minority outreach===
|38.31%
Suvendu Adhikari has advocated for stricter measures against illegal infiltration in [[West Bengal]] and has emphasised the distinction between Indian Muslims and foreign infiltrators, such as [[Rohingya Muslims]]. On 25 October 2025, he stated that the [[Bharatiya Janata Party – West Bengal|Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) is not against [[Islam in West Bengal|Indian Muslims]]; their target is Rohingya infiltrators,<ref>{{cite web | title=Press Trust Of India | website=Press Trust Of India | url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/tmc-helping-rohingya-infiltrators-to-settle-in-bengal-suvendu/3035403 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> and he accused the [[Trinamool Congress]] (TMC) government of assisting in their settlement with fake documents.<ref>{{cite web | title=TMC 'helping' Rohingya infiltrators to settle in Bengal: Suvendu | website=Hindustan Times | date=25 October 2025 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tmc-helping-rohingya-infiltrators-to-settle-in-bengal-suvendu-101761393589812.html | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> He claimed that the TMC's policy has facilitated the inclusion of such infiltrators in the voter lists, and based on the proportion of 30 lakh fake voters identified in [[Bihar]], he claimed that there are up to 90 lakh fake voters in Bengal.<ref>{{cite web | title=If Bihar has 30 lakh fake voters, Bengal will have 90 lakh: BJP | website=Inshorts - Stay Informed | date=17 July 2025 | url=https://inshorts.com/en/news/if-bihar-has-30-lakh-fake-voters--bengal-will-have-90-lakh--bjp-1752737602861 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
|8,580
|6.30%
| style="background:#90EE90;" |''' Won'''
|-
|[[2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|2016]]
| rowspan="3" |[[Nandigram Assembly constituency|Nandigram]]  
|'''1,34,623'''
|'''67.20%'''
|Abdul Kabir Sekh
|53,393
|26.70%
|81,230
|40.60%
| style="background:#90EE90;" |''' Won'''
|-
|[[2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|2021]]
|{{Party name with color|Bhartiya Janata Party|rowspan=3}}
|'''1,10,764'''
|'''48.49%'''
|[[Mamata Banerjee]]
|{{Party name with color|All India Trinamool Congress|rowspan=3}}
|1,08,808
|47.64%
|1,956
|0.85%
| style="background:#90EE90;" |''' Won'''
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|2026]]
||'''1,27,301'''
|'''50.37%'''
|Pabitra Kar
|1,17,636
|46.55%
|9,665
|3.82%
|style="background:#90EE90;" |''' Won'''
|-
|[[Bhabanipur, West Bengal Assembly constituency|Bhabanipur]]
|'''73,917'''
|'''53.02%'''
|[[Mamata Banerjee]]
|58,812
|42.19%
|15,105
|10.83%
|style="background:#90EE90;" |''' Won'''
|}


Adhikari has campaigned for the implementation of the [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|Citizenship Amendment Act]] (CAA) to grant citizenship to persecuted [[Hinduism in Bangladesh|Hindu refugees from Bangladesh]] and has emphasised outreach to certain communities, such as the Matuas. On 25 October 2025, he urged Bangladeshi Hindu refugees in West Bengal to apply for citizenship at CAA awareness camps.<ref>{{cite web | last=Som | first=Moyurie | title=West Bengal BJP urges Bangladeshi Hindu refugees to apply for citizenship under CAA ahead of 2026 polls | website=The Hindu | date=25 October 2025 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/west-bengal-bjp-urges-bangladeshi-hindu-refugees-to-apply-for-citizenship-under-caa-ahead-of-2026-polls/article70202412.ece | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> During the 2024 unrest in Bangladesh, he warned of up to 1 crore Hindu refugees fleeing to West Bengal, called for the state to be prepared, and cited the CAA's provisions for non-Muslim refugees who entered from neighbouring countries before 31 December 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bangladesh Unrest: 1 Crore Hindu refugees will come to West Bengal, says Suvendu Adhikari | website=The Economic Times | date=5 August 2024 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bangladesh-unrest-1-crore-hindu-refugees-will-come-to-west-bengal-says-suvendu-adhikari/videoshow/112292458.cms | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Mitra | first1=Atri | last2=Bhattacharya | first2=Ravik | title=Bangladesh crisis: As Bengal BJP stirs talk of '1 cr refugees', CAA, cautious TMC govt appeals for calm | website=The Indian Express | date=6 August 2024 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/bangladesh-crisis-bengal-bjp-1-cr-refugees-caa-tmc-govt-calm-9498631/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
=== Lok Sabha ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+[[Lok Sabha]]
!Year
!Constituency
! colspan="2" |Party
!Votes
!%
!Opponent
! colspan="2" |Opponent
Party
!Opponent
Votes
!%
!Margin
!Margin
in %
!Result
|-
|[[2004 Indian general election|2004]]
| rowspan="3" |[[Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency|Tamluk]]
|{{Party name with color|All India Trinamool Congress|rowspan=3}}
|'''4,49,848'''
|'''43.60%'''
| rowspan="2" |[[Lakshman Chandra Seth]]
|{{Party name with color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)|rowspan=3}}
|5,07,228
|49.20%
| -57,380
| -5.60%
|style="background:#FFB6C1;" | '''Lost'''
|-
|[[2009 Indian general election|2009]]
|'''6,37,664'''
|'''55.54%'''
|4,64,706
|40.50%
|1,72,958
|15.90%
| style="background:#90EE90;" | '''Won'''
|-
|[[2014 Indian general election|2014]]
|'''7,16,928'''
|'''53.60%'''
|[[Sheikh Ibrahim Ali]]
|4,70,447
|35.20%
|2,46,481
|18.40%
| style="background:#90EE90;" | '''Won'''
|}


Particularly in the context of the 2024-2025 political instability and [[2024 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence|anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh]], Adhikari has linked the concern of infiltration to the need for greater border security, claiming that West Bengal's demographic change is accelerating. He has demanded increased surveillance at the border to prevent the entry of uncontrolled refugees, organised protests near the India-Bangladesh border, and threatened to impose trade sanctions if attacks on Hindus continue,<ref>{{cite web | title=Bengal LoP threatens trade embargo on Bangladesh if attacks on Hindus don't stop | website=The Times of India | date=5 December 2024 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bengal-lop-threatens-trade-embargo-on-bangladesh-if-attacks-on-hindus-dont-stop/articleshow/116017071.cms | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> as he stated in his rallies on 5 December 2024, and 12 November 2024.<ref>{{cite web | title=BJP's Suvendu says will stage protest at border if attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh don't stop | website=Deccan Herald | date=12 November 2024 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/bjps-suvendu-says-will-stage-protest-at-border-if-attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh-dont-stop-3273351 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> Regarding minority outreach, on 17 October 2025, he assured Indian Muslims that the Election Commission's [[Special Intensive Revision]] (SIR) of the voter list would only target Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators, not any valid citizens, and that the SIR is part of an effort to purify the electoral rolls without affecting the native population.<ref>{{cite web | title=SIR will lead to deletion of names of only Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators: Suvendu Adhikari | website=Moneycontrol | date=17 October 2025 | url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/sir-will-lead-to-deletion-of-names-of-only-bangladeshi-muslim-infiltrators-suvendu-adhikari-13622525.html | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Press Trust Of India | website=Press Trust Of India | url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/sir-will-lead-to-deletion-of-names-of-only-bangladeshi-muslim-infiltrators-bengal-lop/3016200 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
==Political stances==
===Immigration and the CAA===
Suvendu Adhikari has advocated for stricter measures against [[Illegal immigration to India|illegal immigration]] in West Bengal. On 25 October 2025, he claimed that the [[Bharatiya Janata Party – West Bengal|Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) was not against [[Islam in West Bengal|Indian Muslims]]; rather, they wished to deport [[Rohingya refugees in India|Rohingya Muslim refugees]], whom he called "infiltrators".<ref>{{cite web | title=Press Trust Of India | website=Press Trust Of India | url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/tmc-helping-rohingya-infiltrators-to-settle-in-bengal-suvendu/3035403 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> He has accused the [[Trinamool Congress]] (TMC) government of assisting in the settlement of these refugees using fake documents and facilitating their inclusion in voter lists. He claimed that there were 90 lakh "fake voters" in Bengal.<ref>{{cite web | title=TMC 'helping' Rohingya infiltrators to settle in Bengal: Suvendu | website=Hindustan Times | date=25 October 2025 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tmc-helping-rohingya-infiltrators-to-settle-in-bengal-suvendu-101761393589812.html | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=If Bihar has 30 lakh fake voters, Bengal will have 90 lakh: BJP | website=Inshorts - Stay Informed | date=17 July 2025 | url=https://inshorts.com/en/news/if-bihar-has-30-lakh-fake-voters--bengal-will-have-90-lakh--bjp-1752737602861 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>


=== Efforts against corruption and post-poll violence ===
Particularly in the wake of the [[Bangladesh post-resignation violence (2024–2026)|political instability in Bangladesh]] and [[2024 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence|anti-Hindu violence there in 2024]] and [[2025 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence|2025]], Adhikari has linked the concern over immigration of [[Islam in Bangladesh|Bangladeshi Muslims]] to the need for greater [[Bangladesh–India border|border]] security, claiming that the [[Hinduism in West Bengal|Hindu-majority]] West Bengal's [[demographic change]] was being accelerated by [[Illegal immigration to India|illegal immigration]] of Muslims. He has demanded increased surveillance at the border to prevent uncontrolled immigration, organised protests near the India-Bangladesh border, and threatened to impose trade sanctions if attacks on Hindus continued.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bengal LoP threatens trade embargo on Bangladesh if attacks on Hindus don't stop | website=The Times of India | date=5 December 2024 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bengal-lop-threatens-trade-embargo-on-bangladesh-if-attacks-on-hindus-dont-stop/articleshow/116017071.cms | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=BJP's Suvendu says will stage protest at border if attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh don't stop | website=Deccan Herald | date=12 November 2024 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/bjps-suvendu-says-will-stage-protest-at-border-if-attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh-dont-stop-3273351 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> On 17 October 2025, he assured Indian Muslims that the Election Commission's [[Special Intensive Revision]] (SIR) of the voter list would only target "Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators", not any valid citizens, and that the SIR is part of an effort to purify the electoral rolls without affecting the native population.<ref>{{cite web | title=SIR will lead to deletion of names of only Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators: Suvendu Adhikari | website=Moneycontrol | date=17 October 2025 | url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/sir-will-lead-to-deletion-of-names-of-only-bangladeshi-muslim-infiltrators-suvendu-adhikari-13622525.html | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Press Trust Of India | website=Press Trust Of India | url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/sir-will-lead-to-deletion-of-names-of-only-bangladeshi-muslim-infiltrators-bengal-lop/3016200 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
Adhikari has been pursuing investigations into West Bengal's chit fund scandals, alleging the involvement of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership and the state administration. In July 2023, he publicly offered to supply the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) with evidence concerning Chief Minister [[Mamata Banerjee|Mamata Banerjee's]] involvement in the Sarada scam, while simultaneously criticising the agency's hesitation in interrogating high-ranking officials.<ref>{{cite web | title=Will give proof of Mamata's involvement to CBI: Suvendu | website=The Indian Express | date=18 July 2023 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/saradha-chit-fund-case-will-give-proof-of-mamatas-involvement-to-cbi-suvendu-8845067/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> Earlier, in March 2023, he wrote to Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] questioning the CBI's reluctance to take action against high-placed individuals accused in the decade-old Sarada case, and called for decisive steps to dismantle state-level protection rackets.<ref>{{cite web | title=Why is CBI hesitant?: Suvendu Adhikari writes to PM, seeks action against Mamata in Saradha case | website=Telegraph India | date=6 March 2023 | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/why-is-cbi-hesitant-suvendu-adhikari-writes-to-prime-minister-narendra-modi-seeks-action-against-mamata-banerjee-in-saradha-case/cid/1920764 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> In a separate letter to the CBI Director that same month, he highlighted delays in the investigation of multiple chit fund operations, alleging that the accused, including TMC personalities, had influenced the probe even from custody.<ref>{{cite web | title=LOP Suvendu Adhikari writes to CBI Director over slow investigation in Saradha Scam | website=ANI News | date=20 July 2023 | url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lop-suvendu-adhikari-writes-to-cbi-director-over-slow-investigation-in-saradha-scam20230720230851/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>


Following the declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election results on 2 May 2021, Adhikari compiled documentation of the post-election violence, including videos and affidavits detailing attacks on BJP workers that began on 3 May. In May 2021, he filed a writ petition in the Calcutta High Court, annexing evidence of targeted attacks, property destruction, and displacement across various districts, which led to judicial monitoring and orders for registering FIRs.<ref>{{cite web |first= |title=Write Petition (Supreme Court of India) |url=https://lawtrend.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ICT-Bengal-Violence-Writ-Petition-with-Annexures_compressed.pdf |access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> As a result of these efforts, in July 2021, amid the government's denial of retaliatory violence against opposition supporters, the High Court issued a mandatory directive compelling the state to register cases for all reported incidents and to cooperate with the [[National Human Rights Commission of India|National Human Rights Commission's]] investigation.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bengal post-poll violence: Calcutta HC orders filing of cases and relief for victims | website=The Indian Express | date=3 July 2021 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/post-poll-violence-calcutta-hc-bengal-govt-cases-medical-care-7385762/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Roy | first=Divyanshu Dutta | title=Bengal In "Denial Mode" Over Post-Election Violence: Calcutta High Court | website=www.ndtv.com | date=2 July 2021 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bengal-government-in-denial-mode-over-post-election-violence-says-calcutta-high-court-2477773 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> The evidence Adhikari submitted was cited in subsequent petitions, including appeals that reached the Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite web | title=SUVENDU ADHIKARI AND ANR. v. STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS., Calcutta High Court, Judgment, Law, casemine.com | website=www.casemine.com | date=13 June 2023 | url=https://www.casemine.com/judgement/in/64894d64d72ae126cda9bf61 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
Adhikari campaigned for the implementation of the [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|Citizenship Amendment Act]] (CAA) to grant citizenship to persecuted [[Hinduism in Bangladesh|Hindu refugees from Bangladesh]]. On 25 October 2025, he urged Bangladeshi Hindu refugees in West Bengal to apply for citizenship at CAA awareness camps.<ref>{{cite web | last=Som | first=Moyurie | title=West Bengal BJP urges Bangladeshi Hindu refugees to apply for citizenship under CAA ahead of 2026 polls | website=The Hindu | date=25 October 2025 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/west-bengal-bjp-urges-bangladeshi-hindu-refugees-to-apply-for-citizenship-under-caa-ahead-of-2026-polls/article70202412.ece | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> During the [[2024 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence|2024 unrest in Bangladesh]], he warned of up to 1 crore Hindu refugees fleeing to West Bengal, called for the state to be prepared, and cited the CAA's provisions for non-Muslim refugees who entered from neighbouring countries before 31 December 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bangladesh Unrest: 1 Crore Hindu refugees will come to West Bengal, says Suvendu Adhikari | website=The Economic Times | date=5 August 2024 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bangladesh-unrest-1-crore-hindu-refugees-will-come-to-west-bengal-says-suvendu-adhikari/videoshow/112292458.cms | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Mitra | first1=Atri | last2=Bhattacharya | first2=Ravik | title=Bangladesh crisis: As Bengal BJP stirs talk of '1 cr refugees', CAA, cautious TMC govt appeals for calm | website=The Indian Express | date=6 August 2024 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/bangladesh-crisis-bengal-bjp-1-cr-refugees-caa-tmc-govt-calm-9498631/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>


Adhikari has consistently advocated for the operational independence of central agencies like the [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED) and the CBI, and has condemned alleged TMC-driven obstructions in investigations related to corruption and violence. He has highlighted recoveries made by the CBI in TMC-related cases, such as the April 2024 Sandeshkhali raid which uncovered weaponry linked to the assault on ED staff, presenting these as evidence of systematic protection by the ruling party.<ref>{{cite web | last=Gupta | first=Shobhit | title='Arrest Mamata, declare TMC a terror outfit', demands BJP leader after CBI searches at premises of Sandeshkhali accused | website=Hindustan Times | date=27 April 2024 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/arrest-mamata-declare-tmc-a-terror-outfit-demands-bjp-leader-after-cbi-searches-at-premises-of-sandeshkhali-accused-101714186870180.html | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> In assembly speeches and public statements, he has pushed for unhindered central investigations into the TMC's administrative failures, calling the autonomy of these agencies essential for eradicating entrenched corruption without state interference.<ref>{{cite web | title=Entire TMC is corrupt, claims BJP's Suvendu Adhikari; Trinamool hits back | website=Deccan Herald | date=26 August 2025 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/entire-tmc-is-corrupt-claims-bjps-suvendu-adhikari-trinamool-hits-back-3697969 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
=== Bangladesh ===
Suvendu Adhikari has frequently made statements concerning [[Violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, 2024|violence against Hindus in Bangladesh]] and [[Bangladesh–India relations|India Bangladesh relations]]. In December 2025, he warned that he would disrupt the functioning of Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commission in Kolkata over the [[Lynching of Dipu Chandra Das|lynching of Dipu Das in Bangladesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2025 |title='Won't allow them to function': Suvendu Adhikari's warning Bangladesh mission in Kolkata amid tensions with India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/wont-allow-them-to-function-bjp-suvendu-adhikari-warns-bangladesh-mission-in-kolkata-over-envoy-meet-101766500195639.html |access-date=8 May 2026 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> During a later protest, he said that if the violence against Hindus did not stop, India's Hindus would be "teaching a lesson" to Bangladesh as [[Gaza genocide|Israel had done to Gaza]] and [[Operation Sindhoor|India had done to Pakistan]]. This drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress, which called the speech a "bloodthirsty call for mass murder and ethnic cleansing".<ref>{{Cite news |title=BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Draws Flak After Calling For Gaza-Like 'Lesson' at Protest Against Dipu Das's Murder |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/bjp-suvendu-adhikari-bangladesh-dipu-das-lynching-lesson-like-gaza |access-date=8 May 2026 |work=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Shiv Sahay |date=27 December 2025 |title=TMC accuses Suvendu Adhikari of 'naked hate speech' in his remarks against Bangladesh |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/tmc-accuses-suvendu-adhikari-of-naked-hate-speech-in-his-remarks-against-bangladesh/article70443618.ece |access-date=8 May 2026 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>


==Controversies==
In 2024, the TMC accused Suvendu Adhikari of making communal remarks before bypolls and complained to the Election Commission.<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{cite web | title=TMC alleges Suvendu Adhikari 'made communal remarks' in poll-bound area, complains to ECI | website=The Indian Express | date=11 November 2024 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/tmc-suvendu-adhikari-communal-remarks-poll-eci-9664478/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Mishra | first=Anupam | title=Trinamool accuses Suvendu Adhikari of hate speech, complains to poll body | website=India Today | date=11 November 2024 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/story/trinamool-congress-accuses-suvendu-adhikari-hate-speech-bangladesh-complains-election-commission-2631571-2024-11-11 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> During the 2025 Murshidabad violence, Adhikari alleged attacks on Hindus and criticised law enforcement.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | author=<!--staff writer--> | title=West Bengal Waqf protests: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari claims Hindus 'forced to flee' Murshidabad amid violence | website=The Times of India | date=13 April 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-waqf-protests-bjps-suvendu-adhikari-claims-hindus-forced-to-flee-murshidabad-amid-violence/articleshow/120249804.cms | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Mitra | first=Atri | title=BJP and TMC allege 'outsiders' instigated violence at Murshidabad | website=The Indian Express | date=14 April 2025 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/bjp-and-tmc-allege-outsiders-instigated-violence-at-murshidabad-9943901/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Bhattacharya | first1=Ravik | last2=Mitra | first2=Atri | title=Ram Navami days away, why there is an air of disquiet in Bengal | website=The Indian Express | date=3 April 2025 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-navami-west-bengal-communal-tension-9921389/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> In 2025, he also drew criticism for advising against travel to Muslim-majority areas.<ref>{{cite web | title=Suvendu Adhikari's call for avoiding Muslim-majority areas stokes row in West Bengal | website=Hindustan Times | date=11 July 2025 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjps-suvendu-adhikaris-call-for-avoiding-muslim-majority-areas-stokes-controversy-in-west-bengal-tmc-101752217800133.html | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title='Don't go to places where Muslims are majority': BJP's Suvendu Adhikari sparks outrage with communal remarks; TMC slams 'provocation' | website=The Times of India | date=12 July 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/dont-go-to-places-where-muslims-are-majority-suvendu-advises-travellers/articleshow/122395041.cms | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Resolution passed in Bengal assembly against BJP's Suvendu over remarks on TMC MLAs | website=Deccan Herald | date=13 March 2025 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/resolution-passed-in-bengal-assembly-against-bjps-suvendu-over-remarks-on-tmc-mlas-3445143 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
{{csection|date=January 2026}}
===Involvement in the Saradha Chit Fund Scam===
Suvendu Adhikari, who served as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and Transport Minister in West Bengal in the early 2010s, came under the investigation of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Saradha Group's Ponzi scheme. The scheme's collapse in April 2013 resulted in lakhs of investors being defrauded of an estimated ₹25,000 crore.<ref name="thehindubusinessline.com">{{cite web | title=Saradha scam: CBI questions TMC MP Suvendu Adhikari | website=BusinessLine | date=24 September 2014 | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/saradha-scam-cbi-questions-tmc-mp-suvendu-adhikari/article23155913.ece | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> The CBI, entrusted with the scam's investigation by a Supreme Court directive, interrogated Adhikari on 24 September 2014 regarding his alleged collusion in providing potential benefits to the group through his party-approved media and events.<ref name="thehindubusinessline.com"/> Although Adhikari's name emerged among several TMC leaders identified by the investigators, he was not directly named in any specific chargesheet for criminal conspiracy or cheating under the relevant sections of the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act.<ref>{{cite web | last=Mondal | first=Dibyendu | title=Seven years on, CBI still silent on Saradha chit fund scam | website=The Sunday Guardian Live | date=22 May 2021 | url=https://latest.sundayguardianlive.com/news/seven-years-cbi-still-silent-saradha-chit-fund-scam | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>


In December 2020, Sudipta Sen, the arrested chairman of the Saradha Group, filed a petition alleging that Adhikari had extorted money from him and used his influence to promote the scheme. In June 2022, the TMC demanded his arrest.<ref>{{cite web | title=Saradha Scam Accused Alleges BJP Leader Took Money, Trinamool Seeks Action | website=www.ndtv.com | date=25 June 2022 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/saradha-scam-accused-sudipto-sen-alleges-bjps-suvendu-adhikari-took-money-trinamool-congress-seeks-action-3098683 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref name="huhhiihgk7">{{cite web | title=Suvendu urges CBI to probe Saradha accused's allegations against him | website=The Indian Express | date=12 December 2020 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/suvendu-urges-cbi-to-probe-saradha-accuseds-allegations-against-him-7101581/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> Adhikari rejected these claims as baseless, calling them politically motivated in the backdrop of his rift with the TMC leadership, and called upon the CBI to investigate Sen's sworn statement, citing his cooperation during previous interrogations. He claimed that the allegations were baseless and had been timed specifically to tarnish him, following his joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2020.<ref name="huhhiihgk7"/>
=== Corruption ===
Adhikari has accused the TMC of large-scale corruption.<ref>{{cite web | title=Entire TMC is corrupt, claims BJP's Suvendu Adhikari; Trinamool hits back | website=Deccan Herald | date=26 August 2025 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/entire-tmc-is-corrupt-claims-bjps-suvendu-adhikari-trinamool-hits-back-3697969 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>


The Saradha investigation implicated several TMC leaders, including the arrests of MPs Kunal Ghosh and Srinjoy Bose. As of October 2025, no charges against Adhikari have been proven (conviction).<ref name="huhhiihghkgfghfvgk7">{{cite web | title=11 years on, Bengal's Saradha chit fund victims await justice amid LS polls corruption discourse | website=The New Indian Express | date=28 May 2024 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/May/28/11-years-on-bengals-saradha-chit-fund-victims-await-justice-amid-ls-polls-corruption-discourse | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Tiwary | first=Deeptiman | title=Since 2014, 25 Opposition leaders facing corruption probe crossed over to BJP, 23 of them got reprieve | website=The Indian Express | date=4 April 2024 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/since-2014-25-opposition-leaders-facing-corruption-probe-crossed-over-to-bjp-23-of-them-got-reprieve-9247737/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are continuing their investigations into Saradha-related assets and links amid significant delays in justice for the victims.<ref name="huhhiihghkgfghfvgk7"/>
==== Chit fund scandal ====
Adhikari has spoken extensively about West Bengal's [[chit fund]] scandals, alleging the involvement of the Trinamool Congress leadership and the state administration. In July 2023, he publicly offered to supply the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) with evidence concerning Chief Minister [[Mamata Banerjee]]'s alleged involvement in the [[Saradha Group financial scandal]], while accusing the agency of hesitancy in interrogating high-ranking officials.<ref>{{cite web | title=Will give proof of Mamata's involvement to CBI: Suvendu | website=The Indian Express | date=18 July 2023 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/saradha-chit-fund-case-will-give-proof-of-mamatas-involvement-to-cbi-suvendu-8845067/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> Earlier, in March 2023, he wrote to Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], questioning the CBI's reluctance to take action against high-placed individuals accused in the decade-old Sarada case, and called for decisive steps to dismantle state-level protection rackets.<ref>{{cite web | title=Why is CBI hesitant?: Suvendu Adhikari writes to PM, seeks action against Mamata in Saradha case | website=Telegraph India | date=6 March 2023 | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/why-is-cbi-hesitant-suvendu-adhikari-writes-to-prime-minister-narendra-modi-seeks-action-against-mamata-banerjee-in-saradha-case/cid/1920764 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> In a separate letter to the CBI Director that same month, he highlighted delays in the investigation of multiple chit fund operations, alleging that [[Kunal Ghosh]], a TMC politician, had influenced the probe even from custody.<ref>{{cite web | title=LOP Suvendu Adhikari writes to CBI Director over slow investigation in Saradha Scam | website=ANI News | date=20 July 2023 | url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lop-suvendu-adhikari-writes-to-cbi-director-over-slow-investigation-in-saradha-scam20230720230851/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>


=== Narada Sting Operation Case ===
Adhikari himself was questioned by the CBI in 2014 over the Saradha Group financial scandal, which allegedly defrauded investors of about ₹25,000 crore.<ref name="thehindubusinessline.com">{{cite web | title=Saradha scam: CBI questions TMC MP Suvendu Adhikari | website=BusinessLine | date=24 September 2014 | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/saradha-scam-cbi-questions-tmc-mp-suvendu-adhikari/article23155913.ece | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> Though investigated for alleged links with Saradha-backed media and events, he was not named in any chargesheet.<ref>{{cite web | last=Mondal | first=Dibyendu | title=Seven years on, CBI still silent on Saradha chit fund scam | website=The Sunday Guardian Live | date=22 May 2021 | url=https://latest.sundayguardianlive.com/news/seven-years-cbi-still-silent-saradha-chit-fund-scam | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> In 2020, Saradha chief Sudipta Sen accused Adhikari of extortion and promoting the scheme, allegations Adhikari denied as politically motivated.<ref>{{cite web | title=Saradha Scam Accused Alleges BJP Leader Took Money, Trinamool Seeks Action | website=www.ndtv.com | date=25 June 2022 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/saradha-scam-accused-sudipto-sen-alleges-bjps-suvendu-adhikari-took-money-trinamool-congress-seeks-action-3098683 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Suvendu urges CBI to probe Saradha accused's allegations against him | website=The Indian Express | date=12 December 2020 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/suvendu-urges-cbi-to-probe-saradha-accuseds-allegations-against-him-7101581/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> As of October 2025, no charges against him had resulted in conviction.<ref>{{cite web | title=11 years on, Bengal's Saradha chit fund victims await justice amid LS polls corruption discourse | website=The New Indian Express | date=28 May 2024 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/May/28/11-years-on-bengals-saradha-chit-fund-victims-await-justice-amid-ls-polls-corruption-discourse | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
Adhikari has been linked to the [[Narada sting operation|Narada sting operation case]]. The case originated from a 2014 sting operation conducted by [[Mathew Samuel]], in which several TMC leaders, including Adhikari, were allegedly filmed accepting [[Bribery|cash bribes]] from a company in exchange for promised favours. While Adhikari denied the allegations and questioned the authenticity of the footage, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched investigations into the matter. In 2021, after Adhikari's defection to the BJP, the probe attracted renewed attention due to the political implications and ongoing legal proceedings. The case remains under investigation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 September 2021 |title=ED files charges in Narada case. TMC: Why protect BJP's Suvendu Adhikari? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/ed-files-charges-in-narada-case-tmc-why-protect-bjps-suvendu/articleshow/85850686.cms |access-date=16 June 2025 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The Sting in Full |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1160315/jsp/bengal/story_74595.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730140345/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1160315/jsp/bengal/story_74595.jsp |archive-date=30 July 2018 |access-date=16 June 2025 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 March 2024 |title=Why PM sharing stage with Suvendu who is accused in Narada case: TMC hits back on corruption charge |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/why-pm-sharing-stage-with-suvendu-who-is-accused-in-narada-case-tmc-hits-back-on-corruption-charge/articleshow/108162689.cms?from=mdr |access-date=16 June 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>


=== Communal Remarks ===
==== Sandeshkhali raid ====
In November 2024, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) filed a complaint with the [[Election Commission of India]], claiming that Suvendu Adhikari had violated the Model Code of Conduct by making communal remarks in speeches delivered before the bypolls, thereby promoting division along religious lines.<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{cite web | title=TMC alleges Suvendu Adhikari 'made communal remarks' in poll-bound area, complains to ECI | website=The Indian Express | date=11 November 2024 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/tmc-suvendu-adhikari-communal-remarks-poll-eci-9664478/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Mishra | first=Anupam | title=Trinamool accuses Suvendu Adhikari of hate speech, complains to poll body | website=India Today | date=11 November 2024 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/story/trinamool-congress-accuses-suvendu-adhikari-hate-speech-bangladesh-complains-election-commission-2631571-2024-11-11 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
After the [[Sandeshkhali violence|April 2024 Sandeshkhali raid]] by the CBI, Adhikari claimed that uncovered weaponry linked the TMC to the assault on [[Enforcement Directorate]] staff. He demanded that Mamata Banerjee be arrested and that the TMC be declared a terrorist organisation <ref>{{cite web | last=Gupta | first=Shobhit | title='Arrest Mamata, declare TMC a terror outfit', demands BJP leader after CBI searches at premises of Sandeshkhali accused | website=Hindustan Times | date=27 April 2024 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/arrest-mamata-declare-tmc-a-terror-outfit-demands-bjp-leader-after-cbi-searches-at-premises-of-sandeshkhali-accused-101714186870180.html | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>


Adhikari's comments have often surfaced in the context of reports of communal violence. For instance, during clashes over a Waqf property dispute in [[Murshidabad district]] in April 2025, he claimed that targeted attacks and the destruction of property valued at over ₹100 crore had displaced more than 400 Hindus from their homes.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | author=<!--staff writer--> | title=West Bengal Waqf protests: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari claims Hindus 'forced to flee' Murshidabad amid violence | website=The Times of India | date=13 April 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-waqf-protests-bjps-suvendu-adhikari-claims-hindus-forced-to-flee-murshidabad-amid-violence/articleshow/120249804.cms | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Mitra | first=Atri | title=BJP and TMC allege 'outsiders' instigated violence at Murshidabad | website=The Indian Express | date=14 April 2025 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/bjp-and-tmc-allege-outsiders-instigated-violence-at-murshidabad-9943901/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> He attributed such incidents, as well as the deaths and arrests resulting from the previous 2023 [[Ram Navami riots|Ram Navami procession riots]], to lapses in law enforcement driven by vote-bank considerations. Supporters, including BJP (BJP) allies, have framed these comments as evidence-based warnings regarding challenges to solidarity and security risks, citing police reports of stone-pelting and arson during the Murshidabad events as experiential justification rather than as provocations.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Bhattacharya | first1=Ravik | last2=Mitra | first2=Atri | title=Ram Navami days away, why there is an air of disquiet in Bengal | website=The Indian Express | date=3 April 2025 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-navami-west-bengal-communal-tension-9921389/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
==== Narada Sting Operation Case ====
Suvendu Adhikari was linked to the [[Narada sting operation]] case, in which several TMC leaders were allegedly filmed accepting cash bribes in a 2014 sting operation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Sting in Full |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1160315/jsp/bengal/story_74595.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730140345/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1160315/jsp/bengal/story_74595.jsp |archive-date=30 July 2018 |access-date=16 June 2025 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref> Adhikari denied the allegations, while the CBI and ED investigated the case, which gained renewed attention after his move to the BJP in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 September 2021 |title=ED files charges in Narada case. TMC: Why protect BJP's Suvendu Adhikari? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/ed-files-charges-in-narada-case-tmc-why-protect-bjps-suvendu/articleshow/85850686.cms |access-date=16 June 2025 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 March 2024 |title=Why PM sharing stage with Suvendu who is accused in Narada case: TMC hits back on corruption charge |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/why-pm-sharing-stage-with-suvendu-who-is-accused-in-narada-case-tmc-hits-back-on-corruption-charge/articleshow/108162689.cms?from=mdr |access-date=16 June 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>


In July 2025, following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's call for a visit to [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu & Kashmir]], Adhikari advised against travelling to Muslim-majority areas.<ref>{{cite web | title=Suvendu Adhikari's call for avoiding Muslim-majority areas stokes row in West Bengal | website=Hindustan Times | date=11 July 2025 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjps-suvendu-adhikaris-call-for-avoiding-muslim-majority-areas-stokes-controversy-in-west-bengal-tmc-101752217800133.html | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title='Don't go to places where Muslims are majority': BJP's Suvendu Adhikari sparks outrage with communal remarks; TMC slams 'provocation' | website=The Times of India | date=12 July 2025 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/dont-go-to-places-where-muslims-are-majority-suvendu-advises-travellers/articleshow/122395041.cms | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> The TMC alleged this was a calculated provocation intended to incite fear and communal disharmony. The ruling TMC has consistently portrayed such remarks as divisive rhetoric aimed at securing electoral advantage.<ref>{{cite web | title=Resolution passed in Bengal assembly against BJP's Suvendu over remarks on TMC MLAs | website=Deccan Herald | date=13 March 2025 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/resolution-passed-in-bengal-assembly-against-bjps-suvendu-over-remarks-on-tmc-mlas-3445143 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> A resolution has been passed in the Legislative Assembly condemning Adhikari for other comments, including those made in March 2025 targeting Muslim TMC MLAs. Adhikari has countered that his observations reflect documented risks arising from demographic changes and uncontrolled violence, and he has defended them as protected speech concerning public safety. No case has proceeded based on any FIR filed as a result of these specific allegations, and observers have often viewed the TMC's complaints as politically motivated and timely actions amidst the ongoing hostilities.<ref name="indianexpress.com"/>
=== Post-poll violence ===
 
Following the declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election results on 2 May 2021, Adhikari compiled documentation of the [[2021 West Bengal post-poll violence|post-election violence]], including videos and affidavits detailing attacks on BJP workers that began on 3 May. In May 2021, he filed a writ petition in the [[Calcutta High Court]], annexing evidence of targeted attacks, property destruction, and displacement across various districts, which led to judicial monitoring and orders for registering FIRs.<ref>{{cite web |first= |title=Write Petition (Supreme Court of India) |url=https://lawtrend.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ICT-Bengal-Violence-Writ-Petition-with-Annexures_compressed.pdf |access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> As a result of these efforts, in July 2021, amid the government's denial of retaliatory violence against opposition supporters, the High Court issued a mandatory directive compelling the state to register cases for all reported incidents and to cooperate with the [[National Human Rights Commission of India|National Human Rights Commission's]] investigation.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bengal post-poll violence: Calcutta HC orders filing of cases and relief for victims | website=The Indian Express | date=3 July 2021 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/post-poll-violence-calcutta-hc-bengal-govt-cases-medical-care-7385762/ | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Roy | first=Divyanshu Dutta | title=Bengal In "Denial Mode" Over Post-Election Violence: Calcutta High Court | website=www.ndtv.com | date=2 July 2021 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bengal-government-in-denial-mode-over-post-election-violence-says-calcutta-high-court-2477773 | access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
=== Threatening Bangladesh and diplomatic missions ===
In December 2025, Adhikari made a series of controversial statements targeting Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commission in Kolkata amid heightened India–Bangladesh tensions. On 23 December, Adhikari warned that he would not allow the Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission to “function smoothly on Indian soil” if he was denied a meeting with the envoy, citing concerns over [[Lynching of Dipu Chandra Das|The lynching of Dipu Das]] in Bangladesh, and threatened larger mobilisation from 26 December.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2025 |title=‘Won’t allow them to function': Suvendu Adhikari's warning Bangladesh mission in Kolkata amid tensions with India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/wont-allow-them-to-function-bjp-suvendu-adhikari-warns-bangladesh-mission-in-kolkata-over-envoy-meet-101766500195639.html |access-date=29 December 2025 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> On 28 December, during a protest at the mission, Adhikari escalated his rhetoric, calling for a “lesson” similar to [[Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip|Israel’s military campaign in Gaza]] or India’s [[2025 India–Pakistan conflict|Operation Sindoor]] against Pakistan. His comments drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress, which described them as hate speech and a call for mass violence, while party leaders, including MP [[Sagarika Ghose]], accused him of communal polarisation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Draws Flak After Calling For Gaza-Like ‘Lesson’ at Protest Against Dipu Das's Murder |url=https://thewire.in/communalism/bjp-suvendu-adhikari-bangladesh-dipu-das-lynching-lesson-like-gaza |access-date=29 December 2025 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Shiv Sahay |date=27 December 2025 |title=TMC accuses Suvendu Adhikari of ‘naked hate speech’ in his remarks against Bangladesh |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/tmc-accuses-suvendu-adhikari-of-naked-hate-speech-in-his-remarks-against-bangladesh/article70443618.ece |access-date=29 December 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[2021 Nandigram controversy]]
*[[2021 Nandigram controversy]]
*[[Chandranath Rath]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
 
{{Bharatiya Janata Party}}
{{Current Indian Chief Ministers}}
{{Chief Ministers of West Bengal}}
{{15th LS members from West Bengal}}
{{15th LS members from West Bengal}}
{{West Bengal Legislative Assembly4}}
{{West Bengal Legislative Assembly4}}
{{16th LS members from West Bengal}}
{{16th LS members from West Bengal}}
{{Bharatiya Janata Party}}


==External links==
==External links==
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[[Category:West Bengal MLAs 2016–2021]]
[[Category:West Bengal MLAs 2016–2021]]
[[Category:West Bengal MLAs 2006–2011]]
[[Category:West Bengal MLAs 2006–2011]]
[[Category:21st-century Bengali people]]
[[Category:Leaders of the opposition in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Leaders of the opposition in West Bengal]]
[[Category:State cabinet ministers of West Bengal]]
[[Category:State cabinet ministers of West Bengal]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from West Bengal]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from West Bengal]]
[[Category:West Bengal municipal councillors]]
[[Category:West Bengal municipal councillors]]
[[Category:West Bengal MLAs 2026–2031]]
[[Category:Chief ministers from Bharatiya Janata Party]]
[[Category:Chief ministers of West Bengal]]

Revision as of 11:10, 9 May 2026


Suvendu Adhikari
Adhikari in 2024
9th Chief Minister of West Bengal
Assumed office
9 May 2026
GovernorR. N. Ravi
Deputy
Preceded byMamata Banerjee
Member of West Bengal Legislative Assembly
Assumed office
20 May 2016
Preceded byPhiroja Bibi
ConstituencyNandigram
Assumed office
4 May 2026
Preceded byMamata Banerjee
ConstituencyBhabanipur
In office
11 May 2006 – 16 May 2009
Preceded bySisir Adhikari
Succeeded byDibyendu Adhikari
ConstituencyContai South
Leader of the Opposition in the
West Bengal Legislative Assembly
In office
13 May 2021 – 9 May 2026
GovernorJagdeep Dhankhar
La. Ganesan (additional charge)
C. V. Ananda Bose
R. N. Ravi
DeputyMihir Goswami
Preceded byAbdul Mannan
Chairman of the Jute Corporation of India
In office
31 December 2020[1] – 2 March 2021[2]
Union Textiles MinisterSmriti Irani
Preceded byAjay Kumar Jolly
Minister of Environment Government of West Bengal
In office
2018–2020
Chief MinisterMamata Banerjee
Preceded bySovan Chatterjee
Succeeded byMamata Banerjee[3]
Minister of Transport of Government of West Bengal
In office
27 May 2016 – 27 November 2020
Chief MinisterMamata Banerjee
Preceded byAroop Biswas
Succeeded byFirhad Hakim[3]
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office
16 May 2009 – 20 May 2016
Preceded byLakshman Chandra Seth
Succeeded byDibyendu Adhikari
ConstituencyTamluk, West Bengal
Personal details
Born (1970-12-15) 15 December 1970 (age 55)
Karkuli, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party (since 2020)
Parents
RelativesDibyendu Adhikari (brother)
Soumendu Adhikari (brother)
Alma materRabindra Bharati University.[4] (M.A.)
ProfessionPolitician

Suvendu Adhikari (bn; born 15 December 1970) is an Indian politician who will be serving as the 9th Chief Minister of West Bengal from 9 May 2026. He also served as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the West Bengal unit of Bharatiya Janata Party till 9 May 2026. Adhikari previously worked in the state ministry for the West Bengal government from 2016 to 2020. He was elected Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Nandigram in 2016, 2021 and currently from Bhabanipur since 2026. Previously he was elected from Kanthi Dakshin in 2005, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamluk in 2009, and 2014.[5]

He previously served as the Minister of Transport from 2016 to 2020, Irrigation and Water resource from 2018 to 2020 in the Government of West Bengal. He was also a member of Lok Sabha from Tamluk from 2009 to 2016 and the chairperson of Jute Corporation of India from 2020 to 2021. He was a member of the Trinamool Congress from 1998 to 2020 and Indian National Congress from 1995 to 1998. He is the son of Sisir Adhikari, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister of State for Rural Development in the Manmohan Singh government.[6][7][8][9][10]

Early life and education

Adhikari was born on 15 December 1970 into a Bengali Brahmin family,[11] to Sisir Adhikari and Gayatri Adhikari at Karkuli in Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal. Sisir Adhikari is a politician, and former Minister of State in Second Manmohan Singh ministry and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kanthi constituency in 2019.[12][13] Adhikari is unmarried.[14]

Adhikari received a Master of Arts degree from Rabindra Bharati University in the year 2011.[15]

Political career

Early politics

Adhikari was first elected as a councillor from Indian National Congress in the Kanthi Municipality in 1995.[16] In 2006, Adhikari was elected to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from Kanthi Dakshin constituency. He also became the Chairman of Kanthi Municipality in the same year.[12]

Nandigram movement and rise within Trinamool Congress

In 2007, Adhikari spearheaded the anti-land-acquisition movement in the Nandigram. He led the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee. The ruling Left Front government in West Bengal planned to acquire 10,000 acres of land in the village to set up a special economic zone.[17][18][19] This movement catapulted Mamata Banerjee to the centre-stage of Bengali politics.[19] The state CID alleged that Adhikari had supplied arms to the Maoists to wage an armed movement against the state government.[20][21]

After Adhikari's success in Nandigram, Banerjee made him the party's observer (in-charge) of the Jangal Mahal i.e. Paschim Medinipur, Purulia and Bankura districts. He was successful in expanding the party's base in these districts.[19] In 2009, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Tamluk constituency.[22] He defeated his nearest rival Lakshman Seth of Communist Party of India (Marxist) by a margin of approximately 173,000 votes.[23]

In the 2016 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, Adhikari was pitted against Abdul Kadir Sheikh of the Left Front - Indian National Congress alliance in Nandigram constituency.[18] After getting elected, he resigned as an MP from Tamluk constituency.[24] He was sworn in as the Minister of Transport in the Second Mamata Banerjee ministry on 27 May 2016.[25]

Entry into Bharatiya Janata Party and 2021 elections

Adhikari stepped down from the post of chairman of Hooghly River Bridge Commission (HRBC), a statutory body under the Government of West Bengal on 26 November 2020.[26] He also resigned as West Bengal Transport Minister on 27 November 2020.[27] He had tendered his resignation to the speaker of West Bengal Legislative Assembly as MLA on 16 December 2020 which was not accepted by the speaker initially on grounds of technicality. However, it was eventually accepted on 21 December 2020. [28] On 17 December 2020 he resigned from the primary membership of All India Trinamool Congress.[29][30]

On 19 December 2020, he joined Bharatiya Janata Party in presence of Home Minister Amit Shah.[31][32] Adhikari's defection was reportedly caused due his rivalry with Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee, who was being groomed as her heir-apparent.[33]

He defeated the sitting chief minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram assembly seat in 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election by 1,956 votes. Mamata Banerjee has filed an election petition in Calcutta High Court challenging the verdict of Nandigram.[5]

On 10 May, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad announced Suvendu Adhikari as leader of the BJP legislature party in the West Bengal assembly.[34]

2026 elections

In 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, Suvendu simultaneously contested in both Nandigram as well as Bhabanipur, the seat held by outgoing CM Mamata Banerjee and won both by a spectacular margin. The last time when an incumbent CM was defeated on their own seat by a person contesting in 2 seats was in 1967, when Ajoy Mukherjee of Bangla Congress defeated the then CM Prafulla Chandra Sen of the Congress party in his Arambag seat while retaining his own Tamluk seat.[35]

After his 2026 election win, Suvendu Adhikari claimed support came mainly from Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh voters, not Muslim voters. He said Muslim votes largely went to the opposition, highlighting religious voting patterns.[36]

On the night of 6 May 2026, assailants on bikes gunned down Suvendu's personal assistant Chandranath Rath. [37]

On 8 May 2026, he was elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislative Party in West Bengal in the presence of central observer Amit Shah. He is scheduled to take oath as the 9th Chief Minister of West Bengal on 9 May 2026, becoming the first chief minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party to hold the office.[38][39]

Chief Minister of West Bengal (2026–present)

He is scheduled to take oath on 9 May 2026 at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. [40]

Electoral history

Legislative Assembly

West Bengal Legislative Assembly
Year Constituency Party Votes % Opponent Opponent

Party

Opponent

Votes

% Margin in % Result
2001 Mugberia AITC 59,724 46.90% Kiran Moy Nanda West Bengal Socialist Party 64,415 50.58% -4,691 -3.68% Lost
2006 Kanthi Dakshin 68,608 50.60% Satyendra Nath Panda CPI 60,028 38.31% 8,580 6.30% Won
2016 Nandigram 1,34,623 67.20% Abdul Kabir Sekh 53,393 26.70% 81,230 40.60% Won
2021 Bhartiya Janata Party 1,10,764 48.49% Mamata Banerjee AITC 1,08,808 47.64% 1,956 0.85% Won
2026 1,27,301 50.37% Pabitra Kar 1,17,636 46.55% 9,665 3.82% Won
Bhabanipur 73,917 53.02% Mamata Banerjee 58,812 42.19% 15,105 10.83% Won

Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha
Year Constituency Party Votes % Opponent Opponent

Party

Opponent

Votes

% Margin Margin

in %

Result
2004 Tamluk AITC 4,49,848 43.60% Lakshman Chandra Seth CPI (M) 5,07,228 49.20% -57,380 -5.60% Lost
2009 6,37,664 55.54% 4,64,706 40.50% 1,72,958 15.90% Won
2014 7,16,928 53.60% Sheikh Ibrahim Ali 4,70,447 35.20% 2,46,481 18.40% Won

Political stances

Immigration and the CAA

Suvendu Adhikari has advocated for stricter measures against illegal immigration in West Bengal. On 25 October 2025, he claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not against Indian Muslims; rather, they wished to deport Rohingya Muslim refugees, whom he called "infiltrators".[41] He has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of assisting in the settlement of these refugees using fake documents and facilitating their inclusion in voter lists. He claimed that there were 90 lakh "fake voters" in Bengal.[42][43]

Particularly in the wake of the political instability in Bangladesh and anti-Hindu violence there in 2024 and 2025, Adhikari has linked the concern over immigration of Bangladeshi Muslims to the need for greater border security, claiming that the Hindu-majority West Bengal's demographic change was being accelerated by illegal immigration of Muslims. He has demanded increased surveillance at the border to prevent uncontrolled immigration, organised protests near the India-Bangladesh border, and threatened to impose trade sanctions if attacks on Hindus continued.[44][45] On 17 October 2025, he assured Indian Muslims that the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list would only target "Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators", not any valid citizens, and that the SIR is part of an effort to purify the electoral rolls without affecting the native population.[46][47]

Adhikari campaigned for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to grant citizenship to persecuted Hindu refugees from Bangladesh. On 25 October 2025, he urged Bangladeshi Hindu refugees in West Bengal to apply for citizenship at CAA awareness camps.[48] During the 2024 unrest in Bangladesh, he warned of up to 1 crore Hindu refugees fleeing to West Bengal, called for the state to be prepared, and cited the CAA's provisions for non-Muslim refugees who entered from neighbouring countries before 31 December 2014.[49][50]

Bangladesh

Suvendu Adhikari has frequently made statements concerning violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and India Bangladesh relations. In December 2025, he warned that he would disrupt the functioning of Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commission in Kolkata over the lynching of Dipu Das in Bangladesh.[51] During a later protest, he said that if the violence against Hindus did not stop, India's Hindus would be "teaching a lesson" to Bangladesh as Israel had done to Gaza and India had done to Pakistan. This drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress, which called the speech a "bloodthirsty call for mass murder and ethnic cleansing".[52][53]

In 2024, the TMC accused Suvendu Adhikari of making communal remarks before bypolls and complained to the Election Commission.[54][55] During the 2025 Murshidabad violence, Adhikari alleged attacks on Hindus and criticised law enforcement.[56][57][58] In 2025, he also drew criticism for advising against travel to Muslim-majority areas.[59][60][61]

Corruption

Adhikari has accused the TMC of large-scale corruption.[62]

Chit fund scandal

Adhikari has spoken extensively about West Bengal's chit fund scandals, alleging the involvement of the Trinamool Congress leadership and the state administration. In July 2023, he publicly offered to supply the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with evidence concerning Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's alleged involvement in the Saradha Group financial scandal, while accusing the agency of hesitancy in interrogating high-ranking officials.[63] Earlier, in March 2023, he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the CBI's reluctance to take action against high-placed individuals accused in the decade-old Sarada case, and called for decisive steps to dismantle state-level protection rackets.[64] In a separate letter to the CBI Director that same month, he highlighted delays in the investigation of multiple chit fund operations, alleging that Kunal Ghosh, a TMC politician, had influenced the probe even from custody.[65]

Adhikari himself was questioned by the CBI in 2014 over the Saradha Group financial scandal, which allegedly defrauded investors of about ₹25,000 crore.[66] Though investigated for alleged links with Saradha-backed media and events, he was not named in any chargesheet.[67] In 2020, Saradha chief Sudipta Sen accused Adhikari of extortion and promoting the scheme, allegations Adhikari denied as politically motivated.[68][69] As of October 2025, no charges against him had resulted in conviction.[70]

Sandeshkhali raid

After the April 2024 Sandeshkhali raid by the CBI, Adhikari claimed that uncovered weaponry linked the TMC to the assault on Enforcement Directorate staff. He demanded that Mamata Banerjee be arrested and that the TMC be declared a terrorist organisation [71]

Narada Sting Operation Case

Suvendu Adhikari was linked to the Narada sting operation case, in which several TMC leaders were allegedly filmed accepting cash bribes in a 2014 sting operation.[72] Adhikari denied the allegations, while the CBI and ED investigated the case, which gained renewed attention after his move to the BJP in 2021.[73][74]

Post-poll violence

Following the declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election results on 2 May 2021, Adhikari compiled documentation of the post-election violence, including videos and affidavits detailing attacks on BJP workers that began on 3 May. In May 2021, he filed a writ petition in the Calcutta High Court, annexing evidence of targeted attacks, property destruction, and displacement across various districts, which led to judicial monitoring and orders for registering FIRs.[75] As a result of these efforts, in July 2021, amid the government's denial of retaliatory violence against opposition supporters, the High Court issued a mandatory directive compelling the state to register cases for all reported incidents and to cooperate with the National Human Rights Commission's investigation.[76][77]

See also

Notes

References

  1. ↑ Podder, Debasish (31 December 2020). "জুট কর্পোরেশন অফ ইন্ডিয়ার চেয়ারম্যান হচ্ছেন শুভেন্দু অধিকারী, নতুন বছরেই নিয়োগ". Hindustan Times (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 31 December 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  2. ↑ "BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari likely to step down as Chairperson of Jute Corporation of India". ANI News. 2 March 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "CM Banerjee to retain transport portfolio following Suvendu Adhikari's resignation". NDTV. 28 November 2020.
  4. ↑ "Suvendu Adhikar's Affidavit 2026" (PDF).
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Manral, Karan (17 June 2021). Hindustan Times https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-challenges-suvendu-adhikari-s-nandigram-win-in-calcutta-hc-101623948924307.html. Retrieved 29 May 2022. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ↑ Bhattacharya, Ravik (23 September 2012). "Had no work, say former TMC ministers in UPA govt". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  7. ↑ "Suvendu Adhikari -Profile". Archived from the original on 29 October 2010. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
  8. ↑ "Election Commission of India". results.eci.gov.in. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  9. ↑ "Nandigram Election Result 2021 LIVE: Nandigram MLA Election Result & Vote Share - Oneindia". OneIndia. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  10. ↑ "Nandigram Assembly Election Results 2021 LIVE - Nandigram Vidhan Sabha Election Results". Times Now. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  11. ↑ Bhattacharya, Snigdhendu (13 March 2021). "At Nandigram, Site of Historic Land Movement, a Battle to See Who the 'Real' Brahmin Is". The Wire. Archived from the original on 13 March 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2026. I am a Brahmin's son. I do the chandipath every day.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Adhikari, Shri Suvendu". Lok Sabha. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  13. ↑ Bhattacharya, Kajari (31 March 2018). "Nandigram: Trinamool's stronghold, one family's stranglehold". Asianet Newsable. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  14. ↑ "ভাইরা বিয়ে করলেও অকৃতদার তিনি, জানুন কেমন শুভেন্দুর সংসার". Aaj Tak বাংলা (in Bengali). 16 December 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
  15. ↑ "Suvendu Adhikar's Affidavit 2026" (PDF). Election Commission of India. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
  16. ↑ "The importance of being Suvendu Adhikari: Why the TMC strongman is miffed with the party leadership". Times Now. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  17. ↑ Sarkar, Arindam (26 April 2007). "Mamata promises to marry off raped girls of Nandigram". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Trinamool Congress confident of victory in Nandigram". The Economic Times. 4 May 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 "From Nandigram to Murshidabad - Suvendu Adhikari is Mamata Banerjee's all weather man". Hindustan Times. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  20. ↑ Roy, Anirban (17 July 2010). "CID to question Trinamool's Adhikari on Maoist links". India Today. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  21. ↑ "Trinamool MP accused of supplying ammo to Naxalites". India Today. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  22. ↑ "In Contai, it's family first for Trinamool's Sisir Adhikary". Indian Express. 5 November 2009. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  23. ↑ "Nandigram swings two seats in East Midnapore in Trinamool's favour". Indian Express 17 May 2009. 17 May 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  24. ↑ "Dibyendu Adhikari to contest from Tamluk parliament constituency". India Today. 17 October 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  25. ↑ "List of Ministers in Mamata's cabinet". The Hindu. 27 May 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  26. ↑ "TMC's Suvendu Adhikari steps down as Bengal minister a day after resigning as Hooghly commission chairman". India Today. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  27. ↑ "West Bengal: TMC rebel leader Suvendu Adhikari resigns as Transport Minister from Mamata govt". Times Now. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  28. ↑ Sanyal, Anindita (16 December 2020). "Trinamool's Suvendu Adhikari Quits As MLA Amid Reports He Will Join BJP". NDTV. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  29. ↑ "Didi aide Suvendu Adhikari exits TMC, sparks a spate of resignations". The Times of India. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  30. ↑ Phadikar, Anshuman (6 July 2021). "Suvendu Adhikari meets victims of post-poll violence in East Midnapore". The Telegraph. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  31. ↑ "অমিত শাহের হাত ধরে বিজেপিতে যোগদান করলেন শুভেন্দু অধিকারী সহ ৯ জন বিধায়ক". Bangla Hunt (in Bengali). 19 December 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  32. ↑ "Suvendu Adhikari ends all speculation, joins BJP, delivers jolt to Mamata and TMC". India Today. 19 December 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  33. ↑ "কেউ দল ছেড়েছেন, দলে গুরুত্ব হারিয়েছেন কেউ কেউ! মমতার দাপুটে 'মিডল অর্ডার' ভেঙে পড়ল কি অভিষেকের উত্থানে?". Anandabazar Patrika.
  34. ↑ "Suvendu Adhikari Elected Opposition Leader In West Bengal Assembly". NDTV. PTI. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  35. ↑ "রাজনৈতিক সন্ন্যাস হয়ে গেল মমতার'! ভবানীপুরে জিতে শুভেন্দু অধিকারী বললেন, 'এই জয় হিন্দুত্বের". Anandabazar Patrika.
  36. ↑ Banerjee, Tirtho (5 May 2026). "'Muslim voters openly…': What Suvendu Adhikari said after defeating Mamata". News9live. Retrieved 8 May 2026.
  37. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8pjz7dv7ro
  38. ↑ "BJP elects legislative party leader in West Bengal". The Indian Express. 8 May 2026.
  39. ↑ "West Bengal to get first BJP Chief Minister on May 9". The Hindu. 8 May 2026.
  40. ↑ "West Bengal government formation LIVE: Suvendu Adhikari elected new CM of Bengal, to take oath on May 9". The Hindu. 8 May 2026.
  41. ↑ "Press Trust Of India". Press Trust Of India. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  42. ↑ "TMC 'helping' Rohingya infiltrators to settle in Bengal: Suvendu". Hindustan Times. 25 October 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  43. ↑ "If Bihar has 30 lakh fake voters, Bengal will have 90 lakh: BJP". Inshorts - Stay Informed. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  44. ↑ "Bengal LoP threatens trade embargo on Bangladesh if attacks on Hindus don't stop". The Times of India. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  45. ↑ "BJP's Suvendu says will stage protest at border if attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh don't stop". Deccan Herald. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  46. ↑ "SIR will lead to deletion of names of only Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators: Suvendu Adhikari". Moneycontrol. 17 October 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  47. ↑ "Press Trust Of India". Press Trust Of India. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  48. ↑ Som, Moyurie (25 October 2025). "West Bengal BJP urges Bangladeshi Hindu refugees to apply for citizenship under CAA ahead of 2026 polls". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  49. ↑ "Bangladesh Unrest: 1 Crore Hindu refugees will come to West Bengal, says Suvendu Adhikari". The Economic Times. 5 August 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  50. ↑ Mitra, Atri; Bhattacharya, Ravik (6 August 2024). "Bangladesh crisis: As Bengal BJP stirs talk of '1 cr refugees', CAA, cautious TMC govt appeals for calm". The Indian Express. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  51. ↑ "'Won't allow them to function': Suvendu Adhikari's warning Bangladesh mission in Kolkata amid tensions with India". Hindustan Times. 23 December 2025. Retrieved 8 May 2026.
  52. ↑ "BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Draws Flak After Calling For Gaza-Like 'Lesson' at Protest Against Dipu Das's Murder". The Wire. Retrieved 8 May 2026.
  53. ↑ Singh, Shiv Sahay (27 December 2025). "TMC accuses Suvendu Adhikari of 'naked hate speech' in his remarks against Bangladesh". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 May 2026.
  54. ↑ "TMC alleges Suvendu Adhikari 'made communal remarks' in poll-bound area, complains to ECI". The Indian Express. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  55. ↑ Mishra, Anupam (11 November 2024). "Trinamool accuses Suvendu Adhikari of hate speech, complains to poll body". India Today. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  56. ↑ "West Bengal Waqf protests: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari claims Hindus 'forced to flee' Murshidabad amid violence". The Times of India. 13 April 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  57. ↑ Mitra, Atri (14 April 2025). "BJP and TMC allege 'outsiders' instigated violence at Murshidabad". The Indian Express. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  58. ↑ Bhattacharya, Ravik; Mitra, Atri (3 April 2025). "Ram Navami days away, why there is an air of disquiet in Bengal". The Indian Express. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  59. ↑ "Suvendu Adhikari's call for avoiding Muslim-majority areas stokes row in West Bengal". Hindustan Times. 11 July 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  60. ↑ "'Don't go to places where Muslims are majority': BJP's Suvendu Adhikari sparks outrage with communal remarks; TMC slams 'provocation'". The Times of India. 12 July 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  61. ↑ "Resolution passed in Bengal assembly against BJP's Suvendu over remarks on TMC MLAs". Deccan Herald. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  62. ↑ "Entire TMC is corrupt, claims BJP's Suvendu Adhikari; Trinamool hits back". Deccan Herald. 26 August 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  63. ↑ "Will give proof of Mamata's involvement to CBI: Suvendu". The Indian Express. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  64. ↑ "Why is CBI hesitant?: Suvendu Adhikari writes to PM, seeks action against Mamata in Saradha case". Telegraph India. 6 March 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  65. ↑ "LOP Suvendu Adhikari writes to CBI Director over slow investigation in Saradha Scam". ANI News. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  66. ↑ "Saradha scam: CBI questions TMC MP Suvendu Adhikari". BusinessLine. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  67. ↑ Mondal, Dibyendu (22 May 2021). "Seven years on, CBI still silent on Saradha chit fund scam". The Sunday Guardian Live. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  68. ↑ "Saradha Scam Accused Alleges BJP Leader Took Money, Trinamool Seeks Action". www.ndtv.com. 25 June 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  69. ↑ "Suvendu urges CBI to probe Saradha accused's allegations against him". The Indian Express. 12 December 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  70. ↑ "11 years on, Bengal's Saradha chit fund victims await justice amid LS polls corruption discourse". The New Indian Express. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  71. ↑ Gupta, Shobhit (27 April 2024). "'Arrest Mamata, declare TMC a terror outfit', demands BJP leader after CBI searches at premises of Sandeshkhali accused". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  72. ↑ "The Sting in Full". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 30 July 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  73. ↑ "ED files charges in Narada case. TMC: Why protect BJP's Suvendu Adhikari?". The Times of India. 2 September 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  74. ↑ "Why PM sharing stage with Suvendu who is accused in Narada case: TMC hits back on corruption charge". The Economic Times. 2 March 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  75. ↑ "Write Petition (Supreme Court of India)" (PDF). Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  76. ↑ "Bengal post-poll violence: Calcutta HC orders filing of cases and relief for victims". The Indian Express. 3 July 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  77. ↑ Roy, Divyanshu Dutta (2 July 2021). "Bengal In "Denial Mode" Over Post-Election Violence: Calcutta High Court". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 3 November 2025.

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