West Bengal’s political temperature soared to new heights after a mob launched a stone-pelting assault on Suvendu Adhikari’s convoy in Chandrakona, West Midnapore district. The BJP’s firebrand leader, known for his relentless offensive against the TMC regime, escaped unharmed, but the episode has ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Details emerged of the Friday night drama: Adhikari had just wrapped up fiery speeches exposing what he calls TMC’s ‘goonda raj.’ As his motorcade navigated narrow town roads, around 50-60 attackers emerged from side alleys, hurling bricks and boulders while chanting anti-BJP slogans. Dashcam footage circulating online captures the mayhem, showing vehicles swerving to dodge projectiles.
Adhikari’s team alerted police en route, who cordoned off the area and arrested five individuals. The leader wasted no time in pointing fingers at Mamata Banerjee’s party machinery, claiming the attack was orchestrated at higher levels. ‘TMC fears my rising popularity; this is their cowardice on display,’ he posted on social media, amassing thousands of shares.
This isn’t the first time Adhikari has faced threats. Since defecting from TMC to BJP in 2020, he has been a prime target amid Nandigram’s bitter legacy. Analysts see the Chandrakona clash as a symptom of deepening polarization, with bypolls looming. BJP has mobilized statewide protests, while TMC dismissed it as ‘internal BJP drama.’
In the aftermath, Adhikari underwent medical checks and vowed to intensify his campaign. Local businesses shuttered amid fears of reprisals, and schools announced holidays. The district administration imposed Section 144 to quell unrest. As investigations unfold, this attack spotlights West Bengal’s fragile peace, urging intervention from the Election Commission to prevent further bloodshed.
