Suvendu Adhikari didn't mince words at a rally in Haldia on Thursday. He framed the upcoming October 6 Assembly by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar not just as a political contest, but as a direct test for the state's minority community. Adhikari told voters they had to decide whether to support the government's development agenda or continue backing the opposition. "Your tests are in Rejinagar and Nandigram. Let's see whether you pass or fail," he said, adding that the broader implications would unfold after the 18th.
The stakes are high in these two constituencies. In Rejinagar, which falls within Murshidabad, Muslims constitute approximately 65% of the electorate. Nandigram, in East Midnapore, has a smaller but significant minority population at around 26%. These demographics make Adhikari's public challenge particularly contentious.
The context for this bypoll is tied to the 2026 assembly elections. Adhikari vacated his Nandigram seat after winning from Bhabanipur, where he defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Rejinagar seat became vacant following the dual win by AJUP chief Humayun Kabir. The BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath for Nandigram. Rath is the mother of Chandranath Rath, an Adhikari aide who was gunned down on May 6, just two days after the election results were announced.
The TMC has reacted sharply. MP Saugata Roy called Adhikari's remarks a "threat" that exposed a "communal mindset against Muslims." MP Dola Sen urged the Chief Minister to uphold the country's unity in diversity, expressing hope that "good sense prevails." The opposition argues that framing a democratic choice as a test undermines the principle of free and fair elections.
The BJP, however, stands firm. Leader Keya Ghosh defended Adhikari, arguing that the opposition has historically treated minorities as a "mere vote bank" without delivering tangible development. "What the Chief Minister has said is absolutely correct," Ghosh stated, countering that Adhikari was simply urging voters to prioritize progress over partisan loyalty.
The next few weeks will be critical. The bypolls are scheduled for October 6. With the BJP having won 50.56% of the vote in Nandigram in the last cycle and finishing second in Rejinagar with 27.02%, the party is banking on a surge in minority support. The TMC, meanwhile, is mobilizing its base, turning Adhikari's words into a rallying cry against perceived communal bias.