'Muslims Must Prove They Are BJP’s Friends': West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari’s ‘Test’ Remark

Kolkata: Before the by-elections to be held on October 6 in Nandigram and Rejinagar of West Bengal, a statement by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has heated up the election atmosphere. During the nomination of BJP candidate Hasirani Rath in Haldia, Adhikari told the minority voters that October 6 is a kind of test for them. He asked the voters whether they wanted to remain with the government and the Chief Minister or not. The opposition has raised questions on this statement of the officer and called it an attempt to put pressure on the voters.

What did Suvendu Adhikari say to the minorities?

Addressing BJP workers in Haldia, Adhikari said that the minority voters of Nandigram and Rejinagar have an opportunity to clarify their stand on October 6. He said that if they want to work together with the government and the Chief Minister, then this date will be like a 'test' for them. After this he left it to the voters to decide whether they want to pass or fail in this examination.

The officer also said that he is observing that some minority people are not supporters of him or the BJP. Referring to the government's schemes and development works, he appealed for support. According to the report, he also said that the benefits of the government schemes are not limited on the basis of any religion or community.

Why are Nandigram and Rejinagar important?

There are a large number of minority voters on both the seats. Among these, Rejinagar is a seat in Murshidabad district, where the minority population plays an important role in the electoral equation. In such a situation, this statement of the officer is being considered as a direct message regarding election support.

Voting is to be held on both the seats on 6th October and counting of votes will take place on 9th October. The last date for filing nominations is September 16.

Who has BJP fielded in Nandigram?

BJP has made Hasirani Rath its candidate from Nandigram. She is the mother of Chandranath Rath, former personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari. Chandranath Rath was shot dead in May this year and the case is now being investigated by the CBI. While filing nomination, Hasirani Rath described Shubhendu Adhikari as the guardian of her family.

From Rejinagar, BJP has given ticket to Shakharav Sarkar, who has been active in the party organisation for a long time. Apart from BJP, candidates from different factions of Congress, Left and TMC are also in the fray on both the seats.

Why did Suvendu Adhikari move from Nandigram?

The reason for Nandigram seat being vacant is also Suvendu Adhikari himself. In the 2026 assembly elections, he had won from both Nandigram and Bhawanipur seats. Later he retained Bhawanipur seat and resigned from Nandigram. For this reason by-elections are being held here.

Nandigram has also been a high-profile seat due to the old political contest between Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee. In the 2021 assembly elections, Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee by 1,956 votes. In 2026 also he won from Nandigram but later left the seat.

What did the officials say about the margin of victory?

The official also claimed a big victory for BJP in Nandigram. He said that he has the experience of contesting elections and getting votes and BJP can win this time by such a big margin, which no one would have imagined. He also made many promises regarding the cases registered against BJP workers of Nandigram and their rehabilitation.

Now the contest in Rejinagar and Nandigram does not seem to be limited to only candidates. Minority votes, government functioning and local political equations of both the seats are also becoming important issues of the election campaign.