In a shocking statement that has drawn widespread condemnation, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and a prominent BJP leader, made inflammatory comments on March 11, 2025, vowing to expel all Muslim MLAs from the Assembly once his party comes to power in Bengal. His remarks, made at the gates of the House precincts, have been deemed by many as a clear instance of hate speech.

Legal Complaint Filed Against Adhikari

Concerned by the potentially dangerous implications of Adhikari’s comments, Suman Roychaudhury, a functionary of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, lodged an FIR on March 13, 2025. The complaint emphasized that Adhikari’s statement posed a serious threat to communal harmony, instilling fear and insecurity among minority communities while undermining the nation’s core secular values.

Political Context Behind the Outburst

Adhikari’s aggressive rhetoric is believed to be fueled by the defection of Tapasi Mondal, the BJP’s Haldia MLA, to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) just a day before his comments. The loss hit close to home for Adhikari as Mondal was considered a loyal follower, and Haldia lies within his stronghold of Purba Medinipur district.

Mounting Political Pressure and Shifting Strategies

The defection marks the twelfth BJP MLA to cross over to the TMC since the 2021 state elections, reducing the party’s strength from 77 to 65 seats. Adhikari, feeling the political pressure, has previously advocated for a more divisive approach, suggesting the party abandon its inclusive slogan “Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas” in favor of the exclusionary “Jo hamare saath, hum unke saath”. Furthermore, he has called for the dismantling of the party’s Minority Morcha, but his actions have gone largely unchecked by the central leadership.

Declining Popularity Fuels Communal Rhetoric

Adhikari’s rhetoric appears to be a desperate attempt to consolidate his political position following his party’s disappointing performance in the 2024 general elections, where it lost six seats and saw a decline of nearly 2% in its vote share compared to the 2019 elections. Despite being given primary responsibility for the campaign, Adhikari’s inability to deliver results has put him in a precarious position within the party.

Call for Accountability and Legal Action

Observers note that Adhikari’s repeated communal remarks are likely a calculated attempt to revive his political influence by stirring divisive sentiments. It is imperative that the authorities take concrete legal action to address his dangerous rhetoric and preserve the secular fabric of the nation.

The larger question remains: Will Adhikari be held accountable for his statements, or will this pattern of communal provocation continue unchecked, endangering social harmony and national unity?