Attacks on BJP MLAs: Suvendu plans stir in Cooch Behar on 4 Aug
The Statesman | 22 July 2025
Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Monday announced a protest programme in Cooch Behar on 4 August, condemning recent attacks on BJP MLAs in the district.
Addressing a political rally at Chunavatti, near Uttarkanya, the branch state secretariat in Siliguri, Mr Adhikari declared: “We are coming to Cooch Behar on 4 August. Sixty-five BJP MLAs will be present to protest against the continuous attacks on our legislators.”
He added: “After the Cooch Behar event, we will proceed to Uttarkanya. During my last visit, I was prevented by the police from entering the premises. This time, we are determined to step inside.”
Mr Adhikari’s remarks come in the wake of recent incidents, including an alleged attack on BJP MLA Sushil Barman at Ghokshadanga, where his car was vandalised and his assistant manhandled. The CISF personnel deployed for the MLA’s security rescued both the legislator and his aide.
Another MLA, Baren Chandra Barman, was also allegedly targeted and stopped from offering prayers at a temple in Cooch Behar.
In a separate incident, BJP leader and former district president Sukumar Roy, also an MLA from Cooch Behar (Uttar), was allegedly defamed by TMC leaders following a shootout case in which his son was arrested by police.
Citing repeated attacks and police inaction, Mr Adhikari strongly criticised the state government and law enforcement agencies, pointing out that despite official complaints lodged by BJP MLAs, no effective steps had been taken.
On Monday, Mr Adhikari walked a few kilometres from Tinbatti to the rally venue in Chunavatti but refrained from stopping near Uttarkanya to avoid potential confrontation. Sources indicated that the move was a strategic decision to deny the police or TMC any opportunity to escalate the situation.
Though a group of BJP workers briefly gathered near the main entrance along Asian Highway 2, they vacated the area after raising slogans when instructed by the police. With adequate security deployment and adherence to a High Court order, the rally concluded peacefully.