West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged on Maha Ashtami that a conspiracy was under way to create Bangladesh-style instability across India.
Visiting a Durga Puja pandal in Kanthi, Purba Medinipur, he claimed that certain groups were deliberately attempting to replicate the political unrest seen in Bangladesh. He called on citizens to stand united against such attempts, sparking fresh political debate in West Bengal.
Speaking to journalists on Monday after offering pushpanjali in his hometown, the chief minister emphasised his religious background.
“I am not a communist, not an atheist, not Jamaat. I am a son of a pure Hindu family, a Sanatani,” he said.
He added that he had been offering puja regularly for 50 years and that his personal faith had no connection to his official position.
Turning to politics, Suvendu criticised Leftists and urged people to remain vigilant about the political positions and religious practices of those making sweeping claims.
He specifically referred to religious rituals such as offering pushpanjali, receiving charanamrita and wearing a sacred thread around the wrist.
The situation in Bangladesh featured prominently in his remarks, with the chief minister alleging that certain groups were systematically attempting to create unrest in different parts of India.
“They are systematically trying to create a Bangladesh-like situation to establish instability across the entire country. They must be resisted with a firm hand at all costs,” he said.
However, he did not cite any specific incident to substantiate his allegation.
Political developments in Bangladesh have been widely discussed in Indian political circles, adding significance to Suvendu’s remarks.
Issues involving Bangladesh, border security and infiltration have long featured in West Bengal’s political debate. His decision to link India’s internal stability to developments in Bangladesh during a religious gathering has attracted considerable attention.
During his remarks, the chief minister also referred to the ongoing investigation into the fatal stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Chorbagan.
He said the investigation was continuing and that security and surveillance had been intensified at puja pandals across the state.
Referring to recent political movements, Suvendu maintained that safeguarding national stability remained the highest priority.
His warnings about potential internal instability have added a new dimension to the political debate in West Bengal.
