Suvendu Adhikari rushes to Delhi for BJP leadership meeting ahead of civic polls

Kolkata, Oct13 (UNI)West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari left for New Delhi on Tuesday evening, rearranging his scheduled Durga Puja pandal inaugurations across the state, amid indications that the visit could be linked to the BJP's preparations for the upcoming Kolkata and Howrah municipal corporation elections.

Before leaving for the national capital, Adhikari told reporters that he had received an invitation from the union Home Ministry. "I am going on an invitation from the union Home Ministry. I shall attend a meeting and dinner there," he said, without disclosing further details about the visit.

According to BJP sources, the meeting is likely to focus on the party's organisational preparedness, candidate selection and electoral strategy for the two key urban centres. The municipal corporation elections are expected to be held in November, although the schedule has not been officially confirmed. Before departing from Dum Dum airport, Adhikari inaugurated several Durga Puja pandals in Ranaghat, Kalyani and Bangaon. He is scheduled to return to Kolkata on Tuesday night and travel to Murshidabad district on Wednesday to inaugurate more puja pandals.

Party sources also indicated that Adhikari could discuss the political situation with union Home Minister Amit Shah, including the activities of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the INDIA Alliance, which have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The timing of the visit has drawn attention as the Trinamool Congress has called a rally on Tuesday to protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demand Kumar's resignation.

The proposed demonstration has added to the political exchanges between the ruling party and the BJP in the state. Adhikari has maintained that he would not allow any political party to engage in unruly activities. The rally and developments surrounding the chief minister's visit to Delhi have triggered fresh political discussions ahead of the anticipated civic polls.

With the Kolkata and Howrah municipal elections approaching, the BJP is expected to intensify its organisational activities and sharpen its campaign strategy in the coming weeks. However, the exact agenda of Tuesday's meeting has not been officially disclosed.

UNI SAG AAB