West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has sparked a political storm with his latest remarks, calling for a “surgical strike” against the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] after the 2026 Assembly elections. His aggressive rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from left parties, even as it energises the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) base ahead of a high-stakes electoral season.

Adhikari, addressing media and party workers, accused the CPI(M) of being ideologically aligned with anti-national forces. “After we win in 2026, Bengal will need a surgical strike, not on a neighbouring country, but on the tukde tukde gang that resides here in the form of CPI(M),” he said. The statement was an apparent reference to the Left’s alleged sympathies with separatist elements and their criticism of the Indian government’s national security policies.

He further alleged that CPI(M) leaders consistently question the Indian Army’s operations and show more sympathy toward India’s enemies than toward its own citizens. “This mindset must be rooted out,” he said. “Their ideology supports the disintegration of India, and Bengal cannot be held hostage by such outdated, dangerous thinking.”

Adhikari, a former aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who defected to the BJP in 2020, has often used provocative language to attack both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Left. However, his latest remarks mark a significant escalation in tone, particularly as West Bengal remains politically polarised.

Responding to the comments, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim said Adhikari’s words reflect “authoritarian and fascist tendencies.” He stated, “When someone talks of surgical strikes against fellow citizens for holding a different opinion, it shows a deep contempt for democracy. Suvendu is trying to silence political dissent by borrowing military metaphors. That’s dangerous.”

CPI(M) leaders also accused Adhikari and the BJP of trying to provoke communal sentiments and polarise voters through fear and nationalism. “Instead of addressing unemployment, education, and inflation, they want to talk about war,” said a senior CPI(M) functionary.

Political analysts say Adhikari’s statement may be aimed at consolidating hardline nationalist voters and keeping the BJP’s base engaged in the run-up to the 2026 polls. With the Trinamool Congress still dominant in Bengal politics and the Left struggling to reclaim relevance, Adhikari may be attempting to delegitimise the CPI(M)’s ideological presence in the state altogether.

“This is a strategic move,” said political commentator Subhomoy Maitra. “Suvendu knows the BJP's voter base is largely mobilised through nationalist narratives. By painting CPI(M) as unpatriotic, he’s sharpening a line of attack that’s been used nationally, but is relatively new in Bengal’s political theatre.”

Despite criticism from rival parties, the BJP has not distanced itself from Adhikari’s remarks. Party insiders claim it reflects the growing frustration within the BJP over what they see as the mainstreaming of anti-BJP rhetoric from both the Left and TMC, often without accountability.

As West Bengal gears up for another high-voltage election season, Adhikari’s statement is a signal that the BJP intends to intensify its ideological offensive. Whether this strategy will bear fruit or backfire remains to be seen. For now, political temperatures in Bengal continue to rise.