Trinamool Congress supremo and chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee threw down a gauntlet. True to form, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari lost little time in picking it up. The stage is set for Nandigram seat in state assembly polls in a few weeks time where the two once inseparable would go at each other without holding any punch. ‘
Adhikari said he has has the support of 2 lakh people as against Mamata’s 62,000 and would ensure BJP’s victory. He was quick to clarify though that he is not allotting himself a ticket—but rather anyone who contests on behalf of BJP.
“I take the responsibility of ensuring the victory of whoever contests from Nandigram on a BJP ticket. Didi (Mamata Banerjee) has announced that she will contest from there, relying on 62,000 votes. But I have 2.13 lakh people who chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’,” Adhikari said.
“At a rally, TMC State president Subrata Bakshi had said – ‘Jai Shri Ram nahi chalega’. In the coming elections, the people of Nandigram will give a befitting reply to those who coin such slogans,” Adhikari said slamming the ruling party.
“Nandigram will not forgive Mamata. Today she announced her candidature from Nandigram – such decisions can be taken in a ‘Pvt Ltd party’ – she and her Bhaipo takes all these decisions. BJP is an organised one, unlike TMC. If BJP gives me a ticket, I will defeat her with half a lakh votes, or else I will quit politics,” he roared, unofficially announcing his own candidature from Nandigram.
