Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has asserted that all those responsible for the alleged crimes in Sandeshkhali will be brought to justice if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in the state.
Addressing a public gathering, Adhikari assured the residents of Sandeshkhali—an area in the North 24 Parganas district that has been at the centre of sustained political and social unrest—that justice will be delivered and due legal action will follow under a BJP-led government.
Background: Sandeshkhali Protest and Uprising
Last year, Sandeshkhali drew national attention after a large number of women took to the streets accusing local Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates of sexual harassment, land grabbing, and intimidation. The protests, which began as a grassroots movement, soon escalated, drawing civil society voices and political opposition into the fold. The women alleged years of unchecked abuse under a reign of fear allegedly patronised by the ruling party.
The outcry triggered political turbulence, with law enforcement facing allegations of inaction and political bias. The state government came under severe criticism for its delayed response and reluctance to act against Shahjahan, who was seen as a powerful figure within the TMC’s local network.
Adhikari Slams TMC’s Handling of the Crisis
In his address, Adhikari claimed that the Trinamool Congress-led administration had failed to protect the dignity and rights of Sandeshkhali’s residents, particularly its women. “Justice is long overdue. Under BJP rule, we will ensure that each allegation is thoroughly probed and those guilty, regardless of their political links, are held accountable,” he said.
BJP Targets Law and Order Under TMC Rule
The BJP has been consistently critical of the Mamata Banerjee government’s handling of law and order, pointing to Sandeshkhali as a glaring example of political protectionism and state failure. Adhikari’s latest comments align with the party’s narrative of bringing transparency and justice to regions where alleged crimes have been suppressed.
As the state moves closer to the next Assembly polls, Sandeshkhali remains a potent symbol of the BJP’s promise to restore rule of law and end what it calls the “era of fear and political patronage” in rural Bengal.
