Ahead of the Assembly elections, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari urged the mother of the RG Kar rape and murder victim—now a BJP candidate from Panihati—to campaign against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her home turf of Bhabanipur, marking a high-profile political move.
Adhikari, who is contesting from the Bhabanipur constituency in south Kolkata, visited the victim’s residence in Panihati on Thursday evening. During the visit, he paid his respects to the victim’s parents by touching their feet and later held a closed-door meeting with the family.
Adhikari, after the meeting, said the victim’s mother had accepted the candidature from the BJP with the objective of defeating Mamata, whom he accused of orchestrating a cover-up in the RG Kar case. He also expressed confidence that she would win the Panihati seat by a record margin.
Highlighting his appeal, Adhikari stated that he had personally requested the candidate to extend her campaign beyond Panihati and visit Bhabanipur. “If she finds time after campaigning in Panihati, she should come to Bhabanipur and place before the people her grievances against the Chief Minister,” he said, referring to Mamata, who also holds key portfolios including Health and Police.
Describing the candidate as “resilient and determined,” Adhikari said her presence in Bhabanipur would strengthen the BJP’s campaign against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The BJP leader also reiterated his criticism of the state government over the RG Kar incident, alleging lapses and attempts to suppress facts—claims that have been denied by the ruling party. He said the people of the state were aware of the developments surrounding the case and would respond through their votes.
Adhikari further asserted that the ruling party would not benefit from vote-splitting in the upcoming elections. He claimed that a section of Left voters would support a “change,” thereby consolidating votes against the TMC.
The Assembly election results are scheduled to be announced on May 4.
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